Topping Ceremony Marks Major Milestone for the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal
The GSPCA was delighted to welcome supporters, funders, contractors, volunteers, committee members, former committee members and special guests yesterday afternoon to celebrate a significant milestone in the charity's history with the Topping Ceremony for the new Wildlife Hospital.
From 2pm, guests gathered in the GSPCA Training and Events Room, which showcased updates on the biggest build project ever undertaken by the charity. The room was filled with displays detailing progress on the development, alongside refreshments generously provided by Breton, the main building contractor for the project.
The special event marked the completion of the roof and recognised the tremendous progress being made as the fitting out of the new Wildlife Hospital continues. The occasion was made even more memorable by the attendance of the GSPCA's Patron, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell KBE CB, who was welcomed by GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne and GSPCA President Dr John Knight BVetMed MRCVS.
As part of the ceremony, Sir Richard officially cut the ribbon to celebrate this important milestone and also unveiled the new Puffin Weather Vane, specially chosen to mark the occasion. Guests also heard the exciting news that funding has now been secured to install solar panels on the roof of the new Wildlife Hospital, helping to ensure the facility is as sustainable as possible for future generations.
The afternoon brought together many of the people who have helped make the project a reality, including supporters, donors, contractors, suppliers, advisers and volunteers. During his address, Steve Byrne compared the event to the BBC's DIY SOS, reflecting on the extraordinary level of community support the project has received.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
"Looking around outside the Wildlife Hospital yesterday felt very much like an episode of DIY SOS. There were so many people present who have contributed in one way or another to making this Wildlife Hospital possible. From Breton leading the construction, to Norman Piette helping source materials at cost, and the many contractors, suppliers, advisers, volunteers and supporters who have donated time, expertise, goods and services, this project truly belongs to our community.”
"Over the coming weeks we look forward to highlighting many of the incredible individuals and organisations that have helped us reach this stage. We simply could not have achieved this without them."
The celebration was made even more special by the announcement that funding for the construction phase of the project has now been achieved. As the building nears completion, attention can now turn towards securing the specialist equipment required to operate the facility, additional renewable energy installations around the site, replacement animal ambulances and other essential resources needed to support the charity's work.
While the Wildlife Hospital itself is now fully funded, the GSPCA still faces the challenge of funding its daily operations, which currently cost around £3,000 every day, while continuing to invest in future developments across the site.
The new Wildlife Hospital is expected to be completed before the end of the year, with the team then beginning the process of moving into the facility. Construction of the new kennels is anticipated to follow in the New Year, with an official opening of the completed facilities hoped for during Spring or Summer next year.
GSPCA President Dr John Knight said:
"This has been a truly special day for everyone connected with the GSPCA. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and grateful to everyone who has supported the Biggest Build Appeal. This facility will provide outstanding care for wildlife for many years to come and help ensure the GSPCA can continue to deliver the very best possible service to animals in need."
The Lieutenant Governor also shared warm words of praise for the GSPCA and the many individuals, businesses and organisations that have supported the project before officially cutting the ribbon. Following the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy guided tours of the building to see first-hand the remarkable progress that has been made.
Among those attending were representatives from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team in Jersey, who rescue seals around the Channel Islands. They expressed their admiration for the developing facility and appreciation for being invited to share in the celebration.
The GSPCA would also like to thank the many members of the media who attended, helping to share this historic moment with the wider community, as well as the many supporters who were unable to attend but sent their good wishes and look forward to visiting during the official opening next year.
Having served Guernsey and its animals for more than 153 years, the Wildlife Hospital represents the largest building project in the charity's history and a major investment in the future of animal welfare across the island. Looking ahead, the GSPCA will continue planning further improvements to ensure its facilities remain fit for purpose, including future aspirations for the reception building.
Supporters can still become part of this historic project through the Buy a Brick campaign and other fundraising initiatives.
To find out more or support the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, visit:
Buy a Brick and support the appeal:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
View the GSPCA wish list and future plans:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list
Upcoming events
- World Animal Month October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog11/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat2/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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