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Jeanne MarchigJeanne founded the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust in 1986 in memory of her late husband. Through the Trust she has supported many animal welfare projects and organizations, not only in the UK, but throughout the world, including the veterinary care and treatment of animals in developing countries such as the McKee Project, re-homing programmes for companion animals, the care, protection and rehabilitation of wildlife and educational and campaigning work against the inhumane treatment of animals. In 2010, the University of Edinburgh awarded Jeanne the Honorary Degree of Doctor honoris causa, “in recognition of her outstanding global contribution to animal welfare and animal welfare education”.

For the RDSVS, Jeanne will be best known for her generous and forward thinking support in funding the establishment of the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for animal welfare education. Her vision was that the Centre would form an integral part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies creating a focal point for animal welfare education across the globe, collaborating with international partners to improve understanding of animal welfare issues and engaging with politicians, governments and professional organisations with the aim of improving animal welfare and promoting alternatives to the use of animals in education and research.

In an interview following the official opening of the Centre in May 2011, Jeanne said, “Vets are at the core of safeguarding animal welfare and through the Centre, they will be provided with the skills necessary to enable their voices to be heard in order to ensure that animals across the world are free from distress, suffering and hunger.” Jeanne’s passion for animals and tireless work towards improving their welfare will be missed by all who knew her, but we can take comfort in knowing that she was proud of the work achieved since the establishment of the Animal Welfare Centre at the Dick Vet, and she regarded it as her lasting legacy.

From all of us at the McKee Project, especially Christine Crawford the founder, we are deeply saddened and humbled by this news, and wish her family and the people she touched much success in continuing Jeanne’s vision for many years to come.

Original text above taken from the University of Edinburgh, with changes made to allow publishing on the McKee Project website.