Ashley Sammons was a normal 17 year old who loved football, rock music,
and beer. Like most teenagers, his role in the family seemed to be
disrupting the kitchen, fighting with his younger brother and
monopolising the computer. His parents breathed a sign of relief
every night when the roar of the motor cycle heralded another safe
return and longed for him to pass his test – a passion Ashley shared and
eagerly took driving lessons.
Yet Ashley was beginning to show a caring side. He adored his two dogs, a springer spaniel called Megan and a German Shepherd, Tara. He thought Megan beautiful but constantly teased Tara about having a big nose. Ashley was often to be found trying to coax conversation out of his cockatiel and was rarely able to sit in an armchair without the ginger cat, Teddy, on his lap. He came from an animal-loving family, with his mum involved in animal rescue, and learnt, like his dad, to do nothing more than raise eyebrows and help build a new pen when Mum brought in another waif or stray. The family tally was 2 dogs, 6 cats, 2 rabbits, a bird and assorted fish. Since Ashley refused point blank to holiday with his parents and brother, he could safely be left at home in charge of the menagerie. He could always be trusted to look after the pets, even if he forgot the washing up, the overflowing laundry bin and to put the dustbin out.
It’s fair to say that Ashley enjoyed the social side of school more than the academic side. If asked to name his most worthwhile achievement at school, he would probably have cited the discovery of a secluded spot where one could have a fag in peace. Ashley left school with 7 GCSEs, not of the highest grades but enough to get him onto his chosen course: First Diploma in Animal Care at the College of West Anglia in Wisbech. And there, Ashley found his niche. He enjoyed the practical work with the animals, worked hard to complete his assignments and found himself in an incredible situation: he was achieving Merits for his work. It was no surprise to Ashley’s family that he was capable of doing so well, but Ashley lacked confidence and found being awarded more than a minimum pass a new a pleasing experience. His confidence grew, as did his certainty that he had embarked on the right career, and he signed up for the two year National Certificate in Animal Care to start September 2006 at the same college.
By this time, Ashley had done several periods of work experience in the animal care industry. He spent several weeks with the Animal Warden Service at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets where new skills and a new language. He learnt how to catch stray dogs and trap feral cats, took his turn at the animal pound where he cleaned up the ‘tom tit’, and watched the Dog Wardens deal with owners who let their dogs have a ‘pony and trap’ in the park. He also did 3 weeks at his local RSPCA centre, Block Fen in Cambridgeshire, where he was described as a willing and likeable volunteer. Ashley’s mum began to think that her dream of a family-owned kennels and cattery might one day come true.
Ashley never did start that course.
On 20th June 2006 he had a drink with his Dad and watched the England football team play in the World Cup. He shouted his usual comments and advice at the team’s manager, encouraged and insulted the players’ performance, and loudly questioned the referee’s eyesight, as usual. After the match he watched a film with his brother, then went outside to the conservatory to feed his dogs, which was his nightly responsibility. Ashley didn’t come back in that night. The roll-up he had carefully crafted and left in the ashtray ready for a last smoke before bed was never lit. Ashley’s dad found him dead in the conservatory the next morning.
The cause of Ashley's tragic and unexpected death has been diagnosed as SADS - Sudden Arrhymia Death Syndrome - by Papworth heart specialist, Dr Grace. SADS is a heart condition which claims hundreds of young lives every year.
‘Ashley’s Ark’ attempts to bring together the two things Ashley represented: young people and animals. It intends to help provide lasting and otherwise unavailable practical help to organisations which further the interaction of young people with animals. It aims to improve the welfare of animals in any environment where animals are kept for the education or enjoyment of the community, particularly young people. For instance, it might sponsor rescued animals or provide accommodation for pets at a city farm or animal rescue centre. It might develop learning initiatives with schools or colleges. It might sponsor a project abroad to teach people how to look after their working donkeys. The charity is a project which will continue to be defined and developed, remembering always the two objectives to be fulfilled are to support both animals and young people.