National Pet Month – April 1 to May 4 2015 has announced the appointment of a new Chairman on the eve of its 2015 campaign.

Michael Bellingham, former Vice Chairman of the charity, takes over the chairmanship role this month following the retirement of outgoing Chairman Phil Sketchley.

Michael is currently Chief Executive of the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) – the trade body for pet food manufacturers – and will be carrying out his National Pet Month duties alongside.

He also sits on the board of the Pet Advisory Committee, a broad based organisation which provides advice to opinion formers on pet issues.

Having worked for PFMA since 2004, Michael has seen membership of the organisation grow by 50% and is looking forward to continuing this work at the same time as working with National Pet Month.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking over as Chairman of National Pet Month and am really looking forward to working with my colleagues to spread the word about responsible pet ownership and help raise cash for UK pet charities so they may continue their vital work.”

NPM said farewell to outgoing Chairman Phil Sketchley this month (January 2015) after 10 years’ dedicated service.

Michael Bellingham paid tribute to his colleague: “Phil has been instrumental in taking NPM forward from a difficult period to a situation today where it is in rude health, having taken on two new sponsors and planning a campaign to showcase the benefits of pets to older people.  

He adds: “Phil has been a tireless advocate of NPM and the positive benefits pets bring to humans. He brought an endless supply of enthusiasm and optimism which infected the rest of the NPM team.

He added: “I am delighted that Phil has offered to continue to be involved in NPM and look forward to working with him for many years to come. I am also proud, but somewhat daunted, to be stepping into his shoes.”

National Pet Month takes place from Wednesday, April 1 to Monday, May 4, 2015.

For more information go to www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk

Follow the National Pet Month family on Facebook www.facebook.com/NationalPetMonth www.facebook.com/JoinScratchingPost and www.facebook.com/JoinParkBench

Follow National Pet Month on Twitter www.twitter.com/NatPetMonthUK

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS: National Pet Month is a registered charity number 1114880.

Trustees are the Petfood Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) and NOAH (National Office of Animal Health).

For more information, photographs and to arrange interviews please contact Asha Thornton-Clearwater on 01406 380737 or email info@turquoisetiger.co.uk