AN ANIMAL lover from the Dengie has made it to the finals of a nationwide awards scheme which celebrates remarkable people and pets.

Fiona Oakes, 48, of Maldon Road, Bradwell-On-Sea, has been a passionate animal lover all her life, which has seen her tackle some of the most hostile places on earth.

Her efforts have now seen her named as a finalist in The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons 2018, sponsored by Action on Hearing Loss.

Fiona’s determination has earned her a place in the finals of the Charity Champion category, as global hearing specialist Amplifon searches for unsung heroes who represent the “Best of British”.

The awards are in their third year, with this year’s winners being judged by a panel including Falklands war hero Simon Weston.

Mrs Oakes runs Tower Hill Stables and Animal Sanctuary, and in turn her running helps to raise the money to pay the £10,000 plus monthly bills for the 450 animals she rescues and cares for.

She and partner Martin recently moved the sanctuary to Gracefield Farm in Bradwell, which she wants to turn in to an interactive education centre for youngsters.

Mrs Oakes has taken part in the Marathon des Sales across the Sahara Desert, covering 154 miles, carrying her supplies on her back in temperatures of up to 130f, to the Antarctic Ice Marathon.

She holds several records including in 2015, running six marathons in six days on six continents.

Her sanctuary was set up in 1996 after she quit her life in a bank in the city and was joined by Martin, who still works as a banker, when they shared a passion for horses and began rescuing them.

Dogs, cats, sheep, cows even hens followed and Mrs Oakes took up serious running to fund the centre.

She didn’t start running until she was 30, has never had a running coach, and wants to spread the message that anyone can do it.

She said: “I was always athletic, I was self-motivated and self-taught – I just put my trainers on and set off. I saw Paula Radcliffe doing well and thought I wanted to jump on the platform too. But it could be any woman. Don’t build boxes, break down barriers.

“Animals can prove to be great therapy for children. We had some children visiting who had never seen a cow before.”

Fiona will attend The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons finals luncheon at the Army and Navy Club, in Pall Mall, London, on October 16, when Falklands War hero Simon Weston will present the awards.

Giuseppe Manzo, general manager for Amplifon UK & Eire, said: “We received some fantastic entries in the Charity Champion category and the four finalists truly embody the heroism shown by Charles Holland.”

A panel of judges will choose an Overall Hero Award winner from the category winners, who will win a trip to Italy.