Meet The Team

Sue Burton BEM

Founder

I founded the Sanctuary with friend, Pat Bacon, back in 1983 following the plight of the horses on Rainham Marshes in Rainham, Essex, where over 100 horses were left on the bleak marshland. As the water inlets flooded, they became cut off resulting in 13 horses dying in the most awful conditions.

In 2023, we celebrated our 40th Anniversary with a visit from our Patrons including Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh.

You can learn more about my ethos and thoughts about the Sanctuary here.

Sue has been awarded a BEM (Medal of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to equine welfare. His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2024 recognises selfless and innovative service to others from people across the UK.

Natalie Walker

Trustee

I currently work as the Governance Manager for the Royal College of Anaesthetists. My responsibilities include supporting C-level executives and boards to design, implement and support the highest quality governance.

In my spare time I am studying for a diploma in Charity Law. This is helping me to broaden my understanding of the legal frameworks of charitable organisations. I plan to leverage this knowledge to support the charitable purposes of the Remus Horse Sanctuary.

My passion for animal welfare and charitable endeavors was made stronger during a recent visit to the Sanctuary. Witnessing Sue and the team’s commitment to providing the best care to mistreated animals left quite the impression on me. I am excited to work and contribute to the sanctuary’s mission as a Trustee.

Bob O’Connor

Trustee

I am a multi-award-winning Hospitality / Leisure professional, with over 30 years of experience in the Sector. An experienced Managing Director and Non-Executive Director who improves bottom line margin to facilitate business growth. My executive career demonstrates deep knowledge of turnaround and upscaling and, thanks to this remarkable record of achievement, I am now advising boards as an independent advisor.

Since 2019, I have been working as an independent consultant across the UK advising leisure and hospitality companies on areas such as strategic planning, business planning, operational reviews, financial modelling and general consulting. With a mixed portfolio of serving both non-profit and commercial attractions, Collaborating with companies such as Weston Grand Pier and York Maze

Esme Fordham

Trustee and Senior Volunteer

This picture tells the story of why I volunteer at Remus. Every little thing we do here and all the money we raise through events goes straight towards feeding and caring for all the wonderful animals at the Sanctuary.

I am a senior volunteer at Remus and oversee – with my group of dedicated and hardworking volunteers – the fundraising events, merchandise and bric-a-brac and ensure that the Sanctuary is kept clean, tidy and organised.

Claire Joce

Office Administrator

I am the office administrator and have been working at Remus since 2012.  I am usually your first point of contact at the Sanctuary.  I will do my best to answer any questions and deal with any queries you may have.  I love working at Remus, all the staff and volunteers work tirelessly looking after the 200 plus animals.  Its sad when a horse/pony arrives that has been mistreated or starved, but it is great to see them finally getting some much needed love and fuss and seeing them in the fields making new friends.

Louisa Penny

Bookkeeper

I am the Bookkeeper for the Sanctuary and work closely with the Sanctuary Accountant. I am responsible for maintaining the day-to-day finances. I joined in 2015 and work part time. I enjoy my role and love being part of an amazing team that works tirelessly to look after and care for so many animals.

Daphne Stovin

Fundraiser

I first heard about Remus in 1987. I became a member and joined the fundraising team. Since then I have watched the Sanctuary grow and it now plays a very large part in my life. In the past I tried joining other voluntary groups that I wanted to help in some way after my children had grown up. When I became a member of Remus I knew that this was the organisation I had been looking for. Animals have always been important to me and helping to care for the animals who have been abused, neglected and cruelly treated gives me huge satisfaction.

Carly Webber

Welfare Officer

I am the Welfare Officer here at Remus and I started in June 2018, I have worked in the animal welfare field for more than 12 years both locally and internationally. We get many calls of concern from the general public about horses and ponies all across Essex – its my job to go and assess these situations and where necessary and possible to intervene to provide these animals with better care. This can be hard at times, as due to legislation often our hands are tied, however we will always do what we can, monitoring the situation and the animals involved.

I’m also responsible for keeping in touch with our horses and ponies that are in foster homes, making annual visits and where needed providing advice and assistance to our foster carers. Its lovely to see these horses and ponies getting the life they deserve with people that really love them.

I’m so pleased to be working for an animal charity that is so devoted to the care and welfare of its animals. Remus is so practical and forward thinking in its approach to horse welfare and is able to provide help to many animals outside its gates.

Alex Brown

Yard Supervisor

I have been working at Remus since November 2010 and have never looked back. I studied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Bristol which primarily focused on companion animals like cats and dogs. I didn’t have much experience with horses and I felt this role would allow me to broaden my knowledge.

I’m responsible for the day to day running of the yard and the needs of the animals and for overseeing and organising the workload for the yard staff for the day. I make up the yard feeds and put out hay to all the field horses during the day. I assist with the vet and farrier’s work and look after any sick animals that come into our care and oversee the annual husbandry plan.

I thoroughly enjoy my work, very few jobs give you the satisfaction that this one provides. It is very fulfilling to see neglected and abandoned horses that come into our care slowly change overtime to become more trusting and friendly as a result of the tender love and kindness that all our staff provide.

Sue Strathern

HR Officer

I joined Remus as the part-time HR Officer in February 2018. I have worked in HR for the last 35 years, mainly in the public sector but, more recently in the private sector.  My role is to support the Sanctuary Manager when dealing with any staffing matters as well as to review and monitor all policies, procedures and practices to ensure that they are up to date and compliant with employment legislation. The introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations on 25 May 2018 meant that all paperwork used by Remus had to be reviewed to ensure that it was compliant with the regulations, in the use of personal data. The regulations apply to job applicants, employees, volunteers, workers, contractors and other supporters as well as former employees. I am enjoying the variety and flexibility of the role.

Dee Shadforth

Fundraising Assistant

I started at Remus in March 2023 as a Fundraising Assistant, having worked for a number of charities in various fundraising and events positions. My role covers different types of fundraising including organising events and working with trusts, businesses and organisations.

I also look after individual giving for those people who would like to remember a loved one by having a plaque or memory bench at the Sanctuary.

It has been heartbreaking to hear about the abuse and neglect suffered by the animals before they came to Remus. Seeing all these animals now living their best life is really inspiring and it is very rewarding to raise funds to help continue all the good work being done here.

Suzanne Riches

Health & Safety Officer

I joined Remus in April 2024, bringing extensive health and safety experience from various sectors and organisations. Most recently, I served as the Head of Health and Safety for a large charitable independent hospital. My role at Remus is to provide pragmatic health and safety risk management advice that aligns with the charitable aims of the organisation, supporting Sue and her team in the day-to-day running of the sanctuary.

With experience as a voluntary trustee in other charitable organisations, I understand the importance of effective health and safety governance. I also recognize the benefits of simplifying health and safety practices to continuously improve workplace health, safety, and wellbeing, as well as enhancing time efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance assurance.

The health, safety, and wellbeing of animals are equally important to me. It saddens me that so many horses and other animals need to be rescued from abuse, neglect, and cruelty. The animals at Remus are now in a safe place and are well cared for. I am delighted to have joined the team to support the sanctuary’s work and mission.