Dogs Trust CEO, Adrian Burder, has passed away unexpectedly following a short illness, the charity has announced.

Burder worked at Dogs Trust for over 20 years. He was formerly marketing director for the charity and has been CEO since November 2014. Jim Monteith is the acting CEO.

“It is with great sadness that we can confirm that our much loved CEO, Adrian Burder, has died unexpectedly following a short illness. Our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time," Monteith said.

“Adrian was one of a kind - his passion for animal welfare changed the lives of millions of dogs in the 24 years he was at Dogs Trust.

"He will be terribly missed by staff, trustees and volunteers past and present and we are so grateful for his immeasurable contribution to making the world a better place for man’s best friend."

It is with great sadness that we can confirm that our much loved CEO, Adrian Burder, has died unexpectedly following a short illness. Our thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time. pic.twitter.com/o8Q9dDEYsO

— Dogs Trust 🐶💛 (@DogsTrust) November 1, 2018

Dogs Trust's annual accounts this year showed the charity's income had increased by £8m, meaning it is now a £100m charity for the first time ever.

The charity's annual report for the year ending December 2017 showed the charity had an income of £106.4m in 2017, up from £98.4m the year before.

“We are all still letting this tragic news sink in. Adrian has been an integral part of our charity for so many years, as a hugely successful fundraiser and then as CEO since 2014. Adrian is Dogs Trust and we will continue our work in his memory.”

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