Vets train for Charity Challenge
Fifty teams of more than 200 participants are in training to compete in this year's Veterinary Charity Challenge (VCC), taking place on Saturday, September 28 at Pershore College in Worcestershire.
Competitors will spend the day participating in a variety of challenges, including walking, running, cycling, kayaking and orienteering. They will also have the opportunity to compete in some mental challenges too.
“We are training hard. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, but this challenge is really helping us to build as a team,” commented Lisa Cooper from team "Goddard Growlers".
Summing up the value of the challenge to practices, Anne of Park Vets in Sidcup said: “We find that the build-up is just as important as the event, since working towards a specific goal outside of work helps with the work/life balance and provides a real sense of achievement on the day.”
Teams will be raising funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, SPANA and Animals Asia. Together they are hoping to raise more than the £21,000 that was raised for Hounds for Heroes, SPANA and Pet Blood Bank last year.
“The event has attracted more than twice the number of teams than last year," added Jason Rogers from BCF, one of the companies sponsoring the challenge. "We’re really looking forward to the day and training hard.”
As a thank you for the money raised in 2012, Hounds for Heroes have given VCC the opportunity to name a puppy for their next squadron of trainees. There will be a voting poll on the VCC Facebook page to make the final choice from the 50 names that have been suggested.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
