I am running The London Marathon on Sunday 23rd April to raise funds for SPANA (a unique global animal charity focusing on the welfare of working animals).  SPANA, founded in 1923, is celebrating its Centenary year this year, and I am delighted to be running my first (and likely last!) Marathon to raise funds and awareness of the great work it does for working animals and the communities that depend on them.  Although 100 years old, the work of SPANA has never been more critical, particularly as many of the countries it operates in are impacted by poverty, conflict and increasingly climate change.

SPANA is a global charity that improves the welfare of working animals in 28 of the world’s poorest countries.  Having visited several of the countries where SPANA works, I have seen first-hand the essential role played by working animals in the world’s poorest communities, helping families to earn a small income, carrying water and taking children to school.  Working animals often live short, painful lives, in terrible conditions, with no available veterinary care when they are sick or injured.  This is why SPANA’s work is so vital - ensuring that animal suffering is treated and prevented and that the welfare of working animals across the world is improved.  Globally, an estimated 200 million working horses, donkeys, camels, elephants and other animals support the livelihoods of more than half a billion people.  Last year, SPANA provided free veterinary care to more than 291,000 sick and injured working animals across 28 low-income countries.  SPANA also delivered training in animal care to more than 87,000 owners and provided animal welfare education to more than 71,000 children, helping the owners of tomorrow to develop their understanding of animal welfare needs.

I am thrilled to be taking on this challenge and hope to raise invaluable funds and awareness for SPANA which I also actively support as a Trustee.  Thank you for any donations to aid the vital work of SPANA - and please cheer me on on 23rd April wherever you are..

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