Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I haven't done anything like this before, but to raise much needed funds for my local RSPCA branch I have taken on the challenge of the Great North Swim. This basically involves swimming 1 mile across Windermere on Sat 23 June, braving the freezing cold waters and trying to avoid being attacked by the giant man eating pike (see disturbing photo below).

I am a trustee of the branch and as a result get to see at first hand the incredible difference it makes to the welfare and wellbeing of hundreds of dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. All these animals are rescued locally via RSPCA inspectors from cruelty and neglect and thereafter rehabilitated and rehomed by the branch.

It costs an average of £220 to care for and rehome each cat, and £560 for each dog. This includes boarding costs, neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, flea/wormer, any other additional vet treatment. Have a look at the 'success stories' on our branch website to see why this is money well spent:

http://www.manchesterandsalfordrspca.org.uk/success.html

The branch also promotes higher standards of animal care in the community via microchipping promotion, our advice line, free vet clinics & discounted neutering to name but a few things.

Any amount you can give will make a huge difference. Please remember the branch is an independant charity that receives no government funding. Thank you :-)