A CHARITY that brings comfort and companionship through the joy of pets has received a welcome cash boost – thanks to VetPartners colleagues who ran, jogged and walked in a huge fundraising effort.
Vets, nurses, receptionists and support team members from VetPartners, a veterinary group with practices and businesses all over the UK, took part in a 5k challenge throughout July and August, raising nearly £3,000 for Pets As Therapy (PAT).
PAT, which provides dogs owned by registered volunteers to visit hospitals, hospices, schools, residential care homes and day centres, is VetPartners’ chosen charity for 2020 and 2021 and team members have been organising fundraising events.
The visits by PAT dogs bring comfort, companionship and therapy to many individuals, who appreciate being able to touch and stroke a friendly animal.
Nearly 200 team members from 69 veterinary practices, along with VetPartners’ central support team from their headquarters in York, took part by running, cycling, swimming, walking and even horse riding for 5k and asking for donations through JustGiving pages. Some wore fancy dress, including dinosaurs, a hen, flamingo, bumblebee, bear, an elephant and characters from The Magic Roundabout.
They collectively raised £2,691, which will go towards the overall total amount raised for PAT during 2020 and 2021.
Colleagues from VetPartners’ family of practices loved the opportunity to get out in the sunshine and boost their fitness, mental health and wellbeing, as well as raise money for a worthy cause.
VetPartners CEO Jo Malone, who herself ran 5k, 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 fundraising 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, right, 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 have missed not being able to do as many things to raise money and support charities over the last 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.”
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners Senior PR and Communications Manager, on 07970 198 492 or email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk
