Mel is the founder of EASE. She started the charity in 2001 and has been responsible for administration and fundraising; establishing and running the sanctuary from 2001 to 2003; managing and encouraging the volunteers; and running the Pet Easement Project until 2005. Mel says: "I have always wanted to work with animals, and so setting up EASE has been a marvellous experience for me. I thoroughly enjoyed running the sanctuary and learned a huge amount from it; and the Pet Easement Project has been a great way to help people and their pets, and I'm delighted the Dogs Trust are now covering the refuges in Hertfordshire thanks to our efforts. Although we're only a small charity, it's still very satisfying to know that we can help people with their pets in the various ways that we do."