'Maggie was heart and soul of animal sanctuary'

The late Maggie Jackaman, 80, pictured with charity mascot, Kenny, founded the shelter about 32 years ago

Tributes have been paid to a "very special lady" who dedicated more than three decades of her life to helping abandoned animals - and continued to do so until her death.

Maggie Jackaman, described as the "heart and soul" of Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Rescue Welfare (Sesaw) in Leavenheath, died on 6 December aged 80.

After opening the sanctuary roughly 32 years ago, Ms Jackaman - alongside a team of dedicated volunteers - nurtured and rehomed hundreds of animals.

Following her death, the trustees of the charity announced Sesaw would close on 31 January – a move Ms Jackaman had fought to avoid.

The trustees' statement said: "The animals currently in our care will be rehomed or, as applicable, transferred to other animal welfare charities in the area."

Plans were first unveiled to shut the sanctuary down back in August, when Ms Jackaman told the BBC it was actually needed "more than ever".

The sanctuary took in hundreds of abandoned animals

News of the Sesaw's impending closure intensified grief over the loss of Ms Jackaman.

"Her unwavering compassion for animals was unmatched by anybody I have ever known," said Keiran Hoynes.

"She was a beacon of hope for countless animals and the people whose lives she touched and her memory and mission will live on in the animals she saved.

"Rest in peace, Maggie. Your love and dedication will never be forgotten."

Martin Nichols first met Ms Jackaman 10 years ago, when he started fostering cats and then hedgehogs from the sanctuary.

He said: "Her legacy should be all the peoples' lives that have been touched by the love they received from the animals that were rehomed.

"[And that was able to happen] because of Maggie never turning animals away and believing they had a second chance.

"It's just such a sad end, but many of us hope to continue the much-needed work of saving animals who, through no fault of their own, need to be rehomed."

'Cheeky smile'

Catherine Elmer had known Ms Jackaman - who showed "acceptance, love, compassion and empathy" - since she was a child before volunteering for her.

"What she had was a gift and she was revolutionary in her time to create what she did," she added.

"I don't think many of us could get up every day for 32 years for the welfare of others - I think it's remarkable and should be honoured.

"I will miss her sparky personality, cheeky smile, face full of expression and heart full of love."

Gill Lewis, who runs WeCare Wildlife Rescue and had known for Ms Jackaman for more than ten years, said she had "lost a good friend".

"Mags was an amazing lady whose love for all creatures shone through - she didn't mind if they had quirky little ways," she added.

"Sesaw and Mags shone as one light and I wish I could have done more to keep the light shining in both. We've lost a very special lady and a special place."