Published 26/11/2007

Compassion in World Farming is proud to congratulate our long-standing patron, Joanna Lumley, on being voted Third Sector magazine's 'Most Admired Charity Champion' for her work with more than 40 charities.

Compassion in World Farming's Ambassador, Joyce D'Silva said: "Few people can be more deserving of this award than Joanna, who has and continues to be an amazing advocate for farm animals as well as a myriad of other worthwhile causes. Thank you so much for all the work that you have done, Joanna, to improve the lives of farm animals worldwide."

Joanna herself told Compassion in World Farming: "The award was wholly undeserved but it was a great honour which I treasure very much. The award is as much for the organisations I support, as it is for me."

Speaking about a recent national newspaper claim erroneously linking Joanna with support for foxhunting, Ms Lumley says, "I'm sorry The Mail gave the wrong impression. I have never hunted nor would I support the hunting or killing of animals. My main focus will almost always be for the plight of the factory farmed creatures whom we kill in their millions every day and whose lives are made miserable by cruel factory farming practices and long distance transport."