A beloved animal welfare advocate and Thurrock Gazette columnist has died, aged 79, in her home.


Gloria Abbott ran the Thurrock branch of the National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) for more than 30 years and, along with her husband Brian, helped rehome a multitude of animals, including cats, dogs and rabbits.


Gloria also contributed the Animal Rescue column to the Gazette.


Gloria, who was from Grays, and her husband won a ambassador award in 2011 for their years of service to the NAWT.


Dedicated to her job, she also used to organise fundraisers to boost finances for the rescue centre in Thurrock.


Tributes have been paid to Gloria from those that knew her well.


A spokesperson from the NAWT said: We are devastated to announce the untimely death of Gloria Abbott, who ran the Thurrock Branch of National Animal Welfare Trust. 


“Along with her husband Brian, Gloria has been involved with the Thurrock Branch since the late 1970s and there is no one more passionate about animal rescue.


“Gloria handled all the daily phone calls to the branch, often going out of her way to help both cats and people in need. 


“Gloria and Brian built a strong and loyal team of volunteers to help, not only with the animals, but also with fundraising to ensure the branch covered its running costs each year.


“Gloria is going to be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.


An ex-colleague of Gloria’s, Sherif Jardine, also paid tribute to her, saying: “I have known Gloria for more than 10 years and have not met many others like her.  


“Gloria dedicated her life to animal welfare and has told me many stories of when she went out to rescue an animal.  


“She also spent most of her time rehoming the dogs and cats that came into the centre.  


“Gloria also cared about people, always the first to offer help if you needed anything and always interested and willing to listen to what you were doing.  


“Gloria was one of the nicest, kindest people I have met and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.”


Tributes were also paid to Gloria on NAWT Thurrock’s Facebook page.