Rhyl animal lover, 51, was 'the best mum we could have wished for’

Kath Hutchison died suddenly aged 51 on August 16, surrounded by her family.

Born in St Asaph and a resident of Rhyl for much of her life, she is survived by her mother; her two sisters and brother; her children, Rubie, Connie and Joseph; and her nieces and nephews.

A head girl of Christchurch County Primary School, Kath dedicated much of her life to her children, and to her love of animals.

She became a vegan, and helped rehabilitate injured seagulls, as well as working jobs including in cafes and in Home Bargains.

Kath and family at her eldest daughter's graduation (Image: Submitted)

Her daughters, Connie and Rubie, led tributes to their mother, who, they said, “always put us first”.

Rubie said: “She was very clever, funny, kind, and confident. She spoke to everyone, and always had lots of friends; she was bubbly, outgoing, and sociable.

“My mum would be confident in spreading her beliefs and opinions, and sharing her love of animals. She always loved animals, but she just fell in love with a rabbit we were given in 2014.

“That same year, a gull fell, which she cared for. She was terrified of birds until then, but she conquered her fears because she knew those birds needed her.

“She taught us to be who you are, and to not be afraid to do whatever you want to do in life.”

Kath grew up in the west end of Rhyl, raising her children at their home on Balmoral Grove.

After raising her children, she later decided to return to further education at Rhyl College and Bangor University, where she gained a degree in criminology and history.

She will be laid to rest at Denbighshire Memorial Park and Crematorium in St Asaph at 3pm tomorrow (September 1).

Connie added: “She probably rescued more than 100 seagulls, all off her own back.

“It wasn’t just seagulls; she had pigeons who used to fly back and see her, crows… she was just very passionate about whatever she set her mind to.

“She always put us first, and always pushed us to do our best. She was the best mum we could ever have wished for.

“I was so lucky to have had her in my life for 30 years. She was strong, would always have our back, and would help us with anything. She was just the best.

Kath rescuing gulls at Rhyl cinema (Image: Submitted)

“I moved to university in London when I was 19 to study art. Before then, I painted a lot of portraits of mum, which she absolutely loved.

“A lot of people I met through my degree didn’t have parents who were as supportive as mum. She pushed me to do what I love, and to find parts of myself within my art.”

Further tributes to Kath were also paid by more of her relatives.

Her sister, Judy, described her as “truly one in a million”, adding that she was “quirky, stylish and very proud of her tattoos”.

Kath’s other sister, Jackie added: “Because of Kathy, my son and I stopped eating meat some 10 years ago.

“Being vegan was so massively important to Kathy, and if just one person could stop eating meat, or even just have even have a meat-free day, then we can carry on the message for Kathy.

Josie, her niece, said she was “the most warm, loving, funny vibrant woman you’ll ever meet”, while Rebecca, Kath’s niece-in-law, called her “the most down-to-earth vegan lover you’ll ever meet”.

Kath Hutchison (Image: Submitted)

Conwy-based Idlewild Animal Sanctuary shared a statement expressing its sadness at the death of Kath, a “larger than life character”.

Kath was believed to have been looking after more than 40 birds at the time of her death.

Idlewild said: “The whole team are extremely saddened by the news of fellow rehabber Kath Hutchison’s passing.

“Kath was a larger than life character. She was a colourful and passionate person with animal welfare at the centre of her world.

“She was an animal advocate in every way, and we send our deepest condolences to the family.”