Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

Those of you that know me (Gemma) will know how much I love animals - especially horses. I believe horses and donkeys are very special, beautiful creatures. Sadly not everyone feels the same.

The UK is in the midst of a horse welfare crisis with an estimated 6,000 horses at risk of neglect or abandonment right now. Charities like Redwings are full and yet things are getting worse, especially for horses living on moors and commons across England and Wales. 

I work for Redwings, so I see the suffering every day.

Seeing the pain of starving horses, injured ponies and abandoned foals, makes me want to do more for horses - I want to raise awareness of their plight and help stop the suffering. 

That's why me and my Dad (Pat!) are running 10k for Redwings. 

"It's only 10k!" you may say! 

Well I am no natural runner! The last time I ran I could not bend my knees for a week! Probably a consequence of my 'technique' which is not so much an elegant canter round the track, as a flat-footed, beetroot-faced, chicken-legged trot whilst gasping for air. Running 10k means keeping those chicken legs going for a solid hour or more, come rain or shine, at 9am on a Sunday morning (9am and Sunday morning do not resonate well for me either...). It will be hard. 

What about my Dad, Pat Carnell (aka the Silver Road Runner)? Dad is not a horse fan (in fact I am not sure I have ever seen him touch one!), but throughout my childhood he selflessly drove me to the riding stables, tolerated the straw and horse hair in his car, and helped me get my first job (and drove me there too!) so I could loan a pony. 20 years later he is still helping to support my passion for horses, this time by running for Redwings.

My Dad is my inspiration. A few years ago (around about the time  he started turning grey...) he started running, and earlier this year he ran his first marathon! This means he will be galloping past me to the finish line and putting me to shame! But his determination and achievements have given me the motivation to join him in this running madness.

As you can see we are committed to making a difference, but we need your support to reach our target. 

I know we can't help all 6,000 horses at risk. But I'd like to think that together we could save just one. And I know £300 would do it.

You may be like me and think that horses are magical, beautiful creatures who deserve our love and respect just like all other animals, or you may be like my Dad and care about someone who has a passion for horses or donkeys. 

Whatever your motivation please help us by making a donation today. Just £1 will make a difference - it could feed a starving pony a meal or fuel a horse rescue ambulance for another mile to reach an abandoned horse.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Most importantly it will help Redwings do more for horses. 

Thank you (and wish us luck!)