About FONDs

Hi my name is Matthew Pimm, I am the Chair of FONDs. I have over 25 years experience of fundraising and event planning from the various community groups I am involved with. I bring expertise and knowledge from my life experience and employment. I have a young family including our dog Willow. 

Within my working life I combine the role of a full time Firefighter and City Councillor in Newport. I got involved with FONDs to help NCDH offer the dogs at the kennels the care and support they need while they wait to be rehomed. It’s a really rewarding to see our group develop and grow. 

I started as a volunteer dog walker in Cardiff with Friends Of the Dogs in 2015, having previously lost my own dog.  Then moved to Newport in 2017 as their first walker, when Friends Of the Dogs were approached by Newport to set up a volunteer group there. This became Opt To Adopt but COVID brought an end to that.

I learned so much about Dogs from Susie James during those years and have worked closely with the staff.  FONDS have now taken up the mantle and I am very happy to be a part of the team. 

Hi, my name is Ims.  When I'm not working, renovating our house, trying to avoid rescuing anymore cats or doing something with cars, I enjoy volunteer dog walking for NCDH. So far I've not brought any home (not sure how long this will last).

Joining FONDs is another great way to support the dogs in the care of NCDH.  With my  background in project and programme management, I hope to be able to use some of my skills to help. Plus I have a great excuse to get out of socialising with humans, as I'm busy with the dogs.

Hi, I am Lilian 70 years of age, a retired nurse of 44 years. I have volunteered with several animal charities over the years until Covid hit. I have always had dogs in my life and was brought up with cats, dogs and rabbits. I became a volunteer with FONDs in April 2024. I am excited about the future of FONDs and pleased to be a part of this vibrant group.I am also a dog walker with Newport City dogs Home. I love spending time with the dogs whilst they are waiting for their forever homes.

Hi, my name is Troy and this is my hooman Alison, she says I am spoilt and that she has plenty of love to share with other dogs too :D

I joined FONDS because this little fella in the picture saved me and showed me a whole new appreciation for dogs that goes further than any love I could ever explain.
I’ve never been great with people but dogs I can spend hours with so helping with FONDS and knowing you have the opportunity to change a dogs life is the best!
Spending time at the NCDH walking the dogs is just so wholesome and great for my mental health.

The best thing about the group? The dog spam ! and the people are nice too!
The worst thing? Apparently you can’t adopt all the dogs lol xx

Hi, I'm Victoria Duke, Resident Certified Canine Behaviourist for Newport Dogs Home for the last year and now for Fonds too.

In another life I was a successful headteacher with a passion for supporting children in care and those in adoption. My transferable skills enabled me to achieve another degree in Canine Behaviour on top of my Masters and focused expertise in dogs who have faced trauma and those suffering with anxiety or fear based reactivity. 

I am very excited to support the Dogs Home and FONDS in all areas of their work to improve the lives of these wonderful dogs.

Hi, I’m Bethan and I grew up with my best friend Jessie, adopted from Newport Dogs Home, who passed away a few years ago aged 15 . I joined FONDs as I wanted to help the dogs home to provide care and support for dogs whilst they search for their forever homes. 

I work as a charity researcher and I am the volunteer secretary of a community interest company, so I hope my skills and experience related to funding and the third sector will help FONDs raise as much as possible for the dogs. In my spare time, I take aerial hoop classes and teach beginners ground-based circus skills workshops.

Hi I am Sally and I joined FONDS in August this year.  

I have always loved dogs and have an 11 year old Springer Spaniel called Archie. With more spare time on my hands (I took early retirement/redundancy from a 36+ year career in Banking in April) I wanted to help make sure that as many dogs as possible get the same start/end of life as Archie has had with us.

I am the Networking Lead of the FONDS team I can use the skills I learned in my Banking career to foster relationships with local businesses and community to raise as many funds as possible to support NCDH.

Hi, I’m Katherine and I began fundraising for dog charities after seeing first-hand the difference even small acts of support can make to dogs waiting for their forever homes.

I’ve always loved animals, and at home I have two wonderful rescue dogs — a Chow Chow and a Cockapoo — who prove every day that rescue dogs really are the best dogs. All of our family dogs have been rescues, and they’ve shaped my passion for helping other dogs get the same second chance.

Joining FONDs felt like the perfect next step. I wanted to give something back to the dogs at Newport City Dogs Home and support the incredible work the team does every single day. Fundraising allows me to combine my creative side with my passion for helping dogs, and I’m proud to play even a small part in improving their lives while they wait for the new start they deserve.

I’m excited to continue supporting FONDs and to help raise as much as possible for the wonderful dogs in their care.