A TEAR-JERKING new Christmas film by the RSPCA has racked up more than one million views in just days, striking a chord with animal lovers across the UK.

The 90-second festive video, described as “emotional” by media outlets, stars a rescue dog and forms part of a new collaboration with British singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, featuring his song You Are Not Alone.

As Christmas approaches, viewers can watch the film now on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X.

The charity said it has been “bowled over” by the response to the film, which has already passed 1.1 million impressions on social media since its launch.

Alan Laxton, Broadcast Manager at the RSPCA, said: “The response to our new film has been amazing – we are totally bowled over by how strongly it has resonated with people.

“Tom Grennan’s You Are Not Alone is the perfect soundtrack. The lyrics and the film together highlight the powerful bond between people and animals, and how life-changing that connection can be.

“Pets are part of the family, and losing an animal can have a profound impact. Our animal centres work tirelessly to rescue animals from cruelty and neglect and match them with loving new homes throughout the year.”

The film follows a man struggling to cope after the loss of his dog. While donating his pet’s old toys to the RSPCA, he meets a rescue dog and forms an immediate bond. The video was filmed at the RSPCA’s Brighton & Heart of Sussex Branch.

The collaboration comes as the charity warns of a difficult winter ahead. Reports of animal abandonment have risen by 23% in the first ten months of this year, while neglect reports are up by 30%.

Grennan has thrown his support behind the RSPCA’s Big Give Back to Animals appeal, which aims to rescue animals from abandonment and neglect and help them find new homes.

Grennan, who has had three UK number one albums, said: “I’m a passionate advocate for both mental wellbeing and animal welfare, so I’m really proud to support the RSPCA’s winter appeal with my song.

“The connection between people and animals is special. Animals offer more than companionship – they bring comfort, ease loneliness and can be a light in dark times. That’s what this film shows.”

One of the dogs featured in the video is Betty, a cocker spaniel rescued by the RSPCA after being left outside in poor conditions while her owner went on holiday.

An investigation found Betty was suffering from chronic ear infections, severe matting and wet dermatitis. After rehabilitation at the RSPCA’s Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch, she has now been rehomed.

Her new owner, Sara Howlett, said she saw Betty’s photo online just months after losing her previous dog.

She said: “I didn’t think I was ready for another dog, but as soon as I saw her photo it was love at first sight. Before we knew it, we were driving a 444-mile round trip to meet her.

“It’s heartbreaking to think what she went through, but now she’s happiest curled up on the sofa, as close to me as possible. I can’t imagine life without her – you’re never alone when Betty is around.”

The RSPCA rehomed 26,167 animals in 2024. However, the charity says demand for its services is increasing, with emergency calls reaching 73,294 by the end of October.

RSPCA superintendent Simon Osborne said: “We want to get more animals like Betty out of cruelty and neglect and into loving homes.

“Reports of abandonment are at their highest in six years, and neglect calls are soaring. Every pound donated helps our officers respond to emergencies and create a better world for animals.”

More information about the RSPCA’s Big Give Back to Animals appeal is available on the charity’s website.

Community group delivers 1,200 boxes to primary schools after successful Santa Run

TENBY ROUND TABLE capped off its charitable work for 2025 by delivering 1,200 boxes of chocolates to primary school pupils across the Tenby area in the run-up to Christmas.

The festive gesture followed another successful year of fundraising events, including the popular Tenby Santa Run, which helps the group raise money to support community causes throughout the year.

On Friday, members of Tenby Round Table visited schools across the area to distribute the chocolate gifts, bringing an early Christmas treat to hundreds of local children.

Schools receiving deliveries included St Teilos, Tenby VC, Ysgol Hafan y Môr, Saundersfoot, Sageston, Stepaside, St Oswald’s, St Florence and Manorbier.

Thanking residents for their continued support, the group said the success of events like the Santa Run allows them to keep giving back to the community in meaningful ways.

Tenby Round Table wished pupils, families and supporters a happy Christmas and said it hoped to see familiar faces again at events planned for 2026.

The group has encouraged residents to keep an eye on its social media channels in the new year for updates on future fundraising activities and community events.

SPECSAVERS Pembroke Dock has helped raise £1,600 to support people experiencing homelessness this winter, with all funds going to The Wallich’s winter appeal.

Thirteen stores from North, South and West Wales donated £1 for every customer feedback form completed during November to help The Wallich, Wales’ largest homelessness and rough sleeping charity, continue its vital work.

Supporting more than 8,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the nation each year, The Wallich runs around 100 diverse projects across 20 local authorities to provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness.

Funds raised by Specsavers will go directly to the Wallich’s Flexible Assistance Fund, which provides small but vital emergency grants. The grants support people at crucial turning points, helping cover essential costs such as phone credit, rent or food shops.

This initiative is a continuation of Specsavers’ wider homelessness programme, which sees over a hundred Specsavers stores and Home Visits services hold out-of-hours or pop-up clinics and invite people affected by forms of homelessness to use their services for free.

Specsavers’ North Wales regional relationship manager, Martin Lawrence, who helped organise the fundraiser, says: ‘We’re really proud to be supporting The Wallich’s winter appeal at a time when support is needed most.

‘Homelessness affects people in every community and as locally owned and run businesses, Specsavers stores are committed to raising awareness of the issue and supporting people through their toughest moments.

‘We’re excited to build on the success of this fundraiser and strengthen our partnership with The Wallich in the new year.’

Louisa Turner, head of fundraising at The Wallich, adds: ‘Winter can be an incredibly difficult time for people experiencing homelessness and this support from Specsavers will make a real difference.

‘The funds raised will help provide emergency grants at critical moments – whether that’s putting food on the table, helping someone stay connected with their loved ones or preventing someone from losing a safe place to live.

‘This kind of support creates vital turning points and helps people move towards a safer, more secure future.’

Specsavers works year-round with homelessness charities including Crisis, Vision Care and The Big Issue, to improve access to healthcare and advocate for policy change – ensuring people experiencing homelessness can receive free eye tests, glasses and hearing checks.

To find out more about Specsavers or to book an appointment at your local store, visit: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/stores.