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This year 47 teams from vet practices and industry overcame a series of physical and mental challenges to see who would take the winner’s trophy. The Vet Charity Challenge event took place on Saturday 27th September, in Pewsey, Wiltshire where teams of four spent the day walking, running, cycling, kayaking and orienteering, along with a variety of mental tasks. The supporting charities in 2014 are SPANA, Cats Protection and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
Jason Rogers from BCF Technology commented, “It is fantastic to be handing over such as substantial sum of money to three great charities today. It is also great to see Dolly our Hearing Dog puppy. Money raised last year is going into her training. It is also fantastic that we have broken the £100,000 mark for money raised over the past three years.”
Nic Van Gelder from SPANA commented, “We would like to thank all those who took part and supported the event. The money raised will be going towards supporting one of our mobile clinics in Tunisia.”
Deborah Bourne from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People commented, “We are thrilled to be supported by Vet Charity Challenge for a second year. The amount raised is really inspiring. We are also delighted to bring Dolly along to collect the cheque. Dolly’s training is being funded by the amount raised by the Challenge last year. Dolly is doing really well and is 12 months old now, a lovely puppy. Funds from this year will go towards training another two puppies.”
Maggie Roberts from Cats Protection commented, “Thank you so much for all your support. Money raised will go towards cat neutering. We actually had teams taking part in the Challenge this year, it was great fun. We really wanted to be part of the event.”
Andrew Cooke from winners BVC Bashers said “All four of the team had a fantastic day, all a little bit sore, but well worth the effort. The event is great for team bonding and we enjoyed meeting other people from other practices. We look forward to coming back next year.”
Kirsty Wills-Mace, from Vets4Pets team, 3 Birds and a Fella commented, “The challenge is awesome fun, with the really important goal of trying to raise as much money as possible for the supported charities. I’d say that training helps, but anyone can have a go, and the day is a great opportunity to get to know your team mates better and really gel.”
And as if the terrain didn’t prove enough of a challenge, Team Kruuse added further drama along the way by rescuing a dog from the Pewsey canal during their kayaking stage. The Kruuse contestants spotted the elderly dog struggling to climb the steep banks of the canal before repeatedly falling back into the water. They managed to haul the exhausted animal up onto their kayak before paddling downstream to a waiting crew of vets and nurses. The dog was whisked away to a nearby surgery where it subsequently made a good recovery.
The Vet Charity Challenge is sponsored by companies BCF Technology, Kruuse and Vétoquinol and supported by Mojo Consultancy, the VMPA and Veterinary Practice magazine. Next year’s event is already being planned and interest can be expressed through the website www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk or Facebook.com/VetCharityChallenge. The video of the challenge can also be found on You Tube at http://youtu.be/BFCjrQqEXuo
Photo at the top - Cheques were handed over to the three charities at the London Vet Show. We also met Dolly our Hearing Dog for Deaf People. Funds raised in 2013 are going towards Dolly’s training.
A movie of the Vet Charity Challenge 2014 is available at http://youtu.be/BFCjrQqEXuo