Devastated friends said the 'angel in disguise' had been affected in recent months by online abuse
Tributes have been pouring in for a beloved young animal rescuer following his tragic death at the age of 22. Bailey Lister was found dead on Thursday .
Friends said he had been affected in recent months by online abuse. Bailey founded Hugo’s Small Animal Rescue and Sanctuary when he was just 15, building a reputation locally for his work rescuing and caring for animals across the Fylde Coast. He co-founded the sanctuary with friend Lucie Anyon, and over the years LancsLive reported how the sanctuary faced closure on several occasions due to cash shortfalls, the coronavirus pandemic and cost of living crisis.
Numerous fundraising appeals and events were organised and Bailey and Lucie worked tirelessly making sure the animals in their care had the best chance of survival . However, after his eviction from the Hambleton site, Bailey was forced to wind down the operation and find homes for the animals in his care. Friends described Bailey as a 'beautiful soul' and an 'angel in disguise', with heartbroken tributes flooding social media following news of his death.
Wendy Mulela, who runs the Homeward Bound animal sanctuary, said: 'Please let us all take a moment to realise and reflect on the impact that comments on social media can have on young, fragile minds. No matter what people thought about recent events, Bailey was a young person who started out in the animal world with good intentions and he deserved a long and happy life. I hope his soul is in peace now.
' Lisa Dock said: 'I’m so shocked to hear of the death of Bailey Lister. Absolutely heartbreaking. This lad has done so much for animals in Blackpool with the rescue he started and he was only young. If you are thinking you bullying online doesn’t affect anyone please have a rethink!!
This is exactly why i will not sit and be quiet when people are being horrible online .. they will always get called out by me .. they need to be stopped!
' Em Mcilwaine wrote: 'Bailey. Just keep wishing it wasn’t true. you will forever be missed, that infectious laugh, your smile, your personality was just so precious. You were one of a kind. You didn’t deserve this you deserved so much more you beautiful soul.
Shine bright up there, forever loved.
' Toni Bennett said: 'It is devastating news. Bailey had such a big heart and loved all animals. He will be forever 22. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
Shine bright Bailey. You will never be forgotten and you will be greatly missed by soooooo many people. May your beautiful soul rest in peace now.
' Fylde Coast Cats said: 'Bailey had a good heart, and a real love for animals. At just 22, his loss is hard to take.
' Senior Moments Care and Moments Hub in Lytham St Annes said: 'We’re heartbroken to share the news that our good friend Bailey Lister has passed away. Bailey was a regular at the hub and lovingly groomed our old dog Bertie. Fly high, young man — you left your mark on this world and will be deeply missed.
' Rosie Stubbs, owner of Stubby Pigs, said: 'Our condolences to the family and friends of Bailey Lister. He was just 22, no age at all. His last few months were surrounded by controversy/ hate on social media and the closure of Hugo's Small Animal Sanctuary, but at the heart of that he was so passionate on saving and helping animals in need.
'I first met Bailey a few years ago on TikTok we soon became friends he was doing amazing with his sanctuary and dog grooming business and helping animals in need. But he took on a lot and needed help in March. I took on some of his skunks as that’s what rescue friend do we help each other!
'I’m truly devastated by this news. He will be greatly missed rip bailey.
' A GoFundMe page set up by Hugo's Small Animal Rescue and Sanctuary to help Bailey's family cover his funeral expenses has raised more than £3,800 towards its £4,000 target. The page said: We are devastated to announce the passing of Bailey, the heart and soul of Hugo’s Small Animal Rescue and Sanctuary on the Fylde Coast.
At just 22 years old, Bailey had already dedicated a lifetime to the animals he loved so deeply, often putting their needs and welfare above all else. He was a tireless advocate who never wavered in his mission, even in the face of recent challenges, to Bailey, the animals always came first.
'Whether he was rushing to a late-night rescue or collaborating with other local organisations, his commitment to saving lives was unmatched. We are raising funds to honor Bailey’s incredible legacy and to help his family cover his funeral expenses during this tragic time. Any support you can provide will help us give this dedicated young man the farewell he deserves and ensure his life’s work is remembered with the respect it earns.
Thank you for standing by Bailey, just as he always stood by the animals.
' LancsLive has contacted Lancashire Police for comment. Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox
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