Award-winning actress Miranda Richardson, who starred in Blackadder, The Crying Game, Damage and Tom & Viv, is a lifelong animal lover.

She is focused on raising awareness for animal welfare and supports many initiatives to improve the lives of animals, both domestic and wild. We spoke to her to find out more.

Why do you support Mayhew?

Unfortunately, not a day goes by without some animal welfare nightmare rearing its head and I think I’ve been aware of that from an early age. Mayhew does amazing work and gives a second chance to animals. My sister was passionate about Mayhew, even though she lived on the other side of London. In her will, she asked that people make donations to Mayhew, alongside other charities, on her behalf.

You’ve kindly donated a collection of paintings for us to auction – thank you! Could you tell us a little more about the artwork?

Some of the pieces belonged to my sister and are various depictions of cats that she liked. I think the watercolours were painted by a family friend who, like my sister, was very keen on cats. I bought her the picture with the two cats, one of whom is washing itself, or “playing the cello” as my mum always called it!

Do you have any pets of your own?

I’m now back up to my regular four-pet household, comprising two German shorthaired pointers (Noomi, 3, and Louis, a very fit 11) and two cats. I’ve inherited my sister’s two Burmese cats, Daphne and Chloe, who came to me just before the first lockdown and are now accustomed to the dogs and the garden and all my fish in the pond!

How has the past year been for you?

In truth, despite the awfulness, the first lockdown was somewhat miraculous with the chance to reconnect with nature, to feel the clean air in London, experience the quiet and take time to do the small things. Walking my dogs was, more than ever, a real tonic.

Which acting role do you think is closest to the real you?

I couldn’t possibly call that one! We’re all a mix of so many things. I did once play a woman who turned into a cat and that made me quite happy – I find it’s much trickier being human.