It's not easy to raise funds at the best of times so we decided to do something which we hope you will agree is enough of a challenge for us to make you want to sponsor us - we are running the Istanbul Marathon on 11 November 2012

The Istanbul Marathon is the only race in the world where you can run from one continent to another. We will start on the Asian side of Istanbul and end on the European side in the Sultanahmet district, at the Hippodrome, one of the oldest sporting arenas in the world to raise those vital funds for the bears, dogs and cats in Asia.

Silke did the Prague marathon 6 years ago when she was training every day and was very fit and I have never run a full marathon in my life. It will be a big challenge for both of us but one we're more than happy to take on.

 

For those who don't know Animals Asia, please watch this short video dedicated to Chengdu Truth. This, if nothing else, will show you why we're willing to push ourselves to the limits for these animals. No amount of pain we'll suffer will come anywhere close to what the bears endure on those farms.

 

We are truly honoured to be doing something that will help - even a little bit - to bring their suffering to an end. So please help us to help the animals that we all care about so much and donate as much as you can today.

 

A bit about the reason for this challenge

 

Thousands of beautiful and intelligent moon bears are still trapped on bile farms in China and Vietnam, often in tiny wire cages or "crush" cages whey have their cruelly extracted several times a day or through a permanently dripping hole in their abdomen. They are starved and kept dehydrated to produce more bile and live in constant fear and pain. Yet there are over 60 herbal and synthetic alternatives, which are cheaper and safer than bile from such sick bears.

 

All the bears rescued by Animals Asia and brought home to their leafy sanctuaries in China and Vietnam need medical attention and lifelong care as they cannot be released into the wild. Many have never seen the sun or stood on grass but with our help they can do both and so much more.

 

Animals Asia is also working to stop the cruel dog and cat meat trade. A large number of dogs and cats are raised for food in many Asian countries including China, Vietnam and Korea. Estimates suggest that in China alone over 15 million dogs and 4 million cats may be killed and eaten each year.

 

The raising and transporting of dogs and cats to markets causes severe suffering and often death. For the many millions that make it to the live animal markets the cruelty inflicted upon them is often deliberate. Dogs and cats suffer a lingering, violent death as they are bludgeoned over the head, stabbed in the neck or groin, electrocuted or thrown conscious into drums of boiling water.

 

Twizzle was one of the lucky dogs to be rescued from a meat truck but the trauma of her past is still with her. To find out more about her you can watch Twizzle's story here

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to Animals Asia and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it's the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for Animals Asia. So please dig deep and donate now.