In November last year Tristan Hoedemaker, a veterinary nurse at St Anne’s Vets Eastbourne, became unwell with flu like symptoms.

Rebecca, Tristan‘s partner of 5 years, took him to be checked over in A&E (where she works) and it was discovered that Tristan had multiple abnormalities and ’nodules’ around his abdomen.

A week later Tristan was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of sarcoma cancer. He was told he only had days to live.

As his last wish he married his partner Rebecca in a beautiful cermony at St Wilfred‘s Hospice. However just 3 days after this, and only 3 weeks and 3 days after falling unwell, Tristan passed away.

He was 27 years old. His partner Rebecca is now a 23 year old widow.

Before he died Rebecca promised Tristan she would open a dog rescue charity in memory of him, in order to let his passion and legacy live on.

Tristan adored animals, particularly dogs, and spent much of his life fostering and rescuing them. He loved his job as a veterinary nurse and had just started his career when he tragically passed away.

We are determined to fulfill the promise we told Tristan on his death bed and we would really appreciate any contirbutions you are able to offer.

Thank you so much.

Rebecca