27 Aug 2021
Team at VetPartners take part in a 5km challenge in July and August to raise thousands of pounds for Pets As Therapy.
Paul Imrie
Job Title
The team from Ashlea Vets in Carlisle.
Charity Pets As Therapy (PAT) has been given a cash boost thanks to the fund-raising efforts of VetPartners staff.
Vets, RVNs, receptionists and support team members took part in a 5km challenge throughout July and August in aid of PAT, which provides comfort and companionship by providing dogs owned by registered volunteers to hospitals, hospices, schools and residential homes.
VetPartners picked PAT as its chosen charity in 2020 and 2021, and team members have organised a number of fund-raising events.
Nearly 200 team members from 69 practices, plus members of the central support team, have been taking part in running, cycling, swimming, walking and horse riding challenges to cover 5km.
Collectively, they have raised £2,691, which will be added to the overall total raised in 2020-21.
VetPartners chief executive Jo Malone, who herself ran 5km, said: “I’m so proud of everyone who took part and raised so much money, which will go towards the final total as we have been doing lots of fund-raising for PAT.
“We are a big group, with 6,000 employees, but it brings us all together as a family of practices pulling together for a worthy cause that everyone has taken to their hearts. We’re supporting a fantastic charity that does so much good to help people in communities all over the UK.”
Ashlea Vets in Carlisle had seven team members, along with family members, taking part, and raised £200 through JustGiving.
Practice manager Rowena Batey said: “We had great fun taking part as a practice and the opportunity to raise money for such a great cause really inspired us to run, jog and walk. We’ve really missed not being able to do as many things to raise money and support charities over the past 18 months due to COVID.
“Pets As Therapy is one of the charities we are supporting this year. It’s a wonderful charity, enabling people to experience the amazing benefit we all know of – having an animal to help brighten up your day or help you through a difficult situation or time. Some of our patients are registered, and we’re so proud of them and their owners for the difference they make in our community.”
