Dogs Trust chief executive Adrian Burder has died after a short illness

A charity is in mourning after its chief executive died suddenly.

Adrian Burder, chief executive of the Dogs Trust, has died unexpectedly following a short illness.

Staff at the charity have said that they are still processing the tragic news, with the 53-year-old having worked for the charity for almost 25 years.

Jim Monteith, who has stepped up to lead the charity on an acting role, said the thoughts of everyone at the charity was with the Burder family.

He 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.

“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.”

Burder joined the National Canine Defence League in 1994, and was instrumental in its rebrand to Dogs Trust. He was originally responsible for fundraising, and ultimately grew its income from £3m to £100m, and was instrumental in the success of the dog sponsorship idea.

When he was named chief executive four years ago, he said: “I’m obsessive about the charity. Having the chance to lead an organisation you love is a great honour.”

Burder's early career included roles at the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV), and at the TV licensing department of the Post Office.