Distant Journeys volunteer turns day at Lancashire animal sanctuary into cat adoption

A corporate volunteer from a local travel company who helped at a Lancashire animal sanctuary has gone one step further: Adopting two cats he met during his visit.

Jack Millin, 30, Sales Team Leader at Distant Journeys, fell in love with the two rescues while volunteering at Woodlands Animal Sanctuary and returned the following day with his wife and children to give them a permanent home.

The father of two said spending time with the cats first-hand during the “life-changing” volunteering day inspired him to give them a second chance.

“Let’s just say we now have two new family members,” Jack smiled. “We’ve named the older cat Betty, while my little boy named the kitten Buu, after his favourite cartoon character.

‘I’m grateful to my workplace for giving me the opportunity to support the Woodlands team and meet the animals in their care. That experience led to a life-changing decision for my family – and, most importantly, gave two deserving cats a loving home where they can thrive.”

Jack was joined on his visit to Woodlands by colleagues from Ormskirk-based Distant Journeys, which was named Best Travel Company for Escorted Group Holidays in 2025.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Distant Journeys gives every employee one fully paid volunteering day each year, with colleagues free to choose where they volunteer.

Woodlands, which has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed animals for more than 20 years, is also based in Ormskirk – making it a natural fit for Distant Journeys’ commitment to giving back to the local community.

“I was aware of Woodlands and their amazing work through their Facebook page, where you can follow all the animals’ stories,” explained Ellie Jones, Copy & Communications Manager at Distant Journeys.

“The Sanctuary is also a registered charity, so when my colleagues voted to spend their volunteering day working with animals, Woodlands felt like the natural choice – a legitimate and well-known local organisation doing credible, meaningful work in the community.

‘I also liked that information about its corporate volunteering programme was readily available online, so I could ensure it met our own quality and governance standards. The first team enjoyed their experience so much, another group have returned for a second visit and the third is already booked in.”

Colleagues from Distant Journeys were supported by the Sanctuary’s Animal Care Team to experience what is involved with looking after the permanent residents and cats awaiting adoption.

Full supervision was provided, with special accommodations made for a team member whose daughter wanted to get involved – helping the animals during the holidays.

“That inclusive approach meant a great deal, because it allowed our employee to enjoy her volunteer day with her daughter, as well as her colleagues,” added Ellie.

“It also gave her daughter a meaningful experience to share when she returned to school. From senior leaders to colleagues just six months into their careers with the company, employees from across departments had the opportunity to connect outside the usual work environment and strengthen team bonds.”

Having experienced the reality of rescue work first-hand, Distant Journeys are now exploring ways to further contribute through fundraising.

“When you realise how much Woodlands actually does, how many animals they help and the costs involved, it naturally makes you want to do more,” added Ellie.

“We help people go on once in a lifetime adventures to destinations they have only dreamed of. That success puts us in a great position to be able to give back on our doorstep in Ormskirk – helping some of the most disadvantaged animals in the county.”

Woodlands’ corporate programme experiences range from team building days and animal carer experiences to fundraising partnerships and event sponsorships.

Lead Trustee Vickie Blackburn said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Distant Journeys for giving their time to support Woodlands, and especially proud of Jack for taking that commitment one step further by choosing to adopt. We wish him and his family every happiness with their new additions.”