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Brave pensioner plans to abseil 160ft for charity
George Russell
George has been volunteering for his local Cats Protection branch for more than 20 years.
Cat lover George wants to do something extra special for needy pets

A 70-year-old cat lover is planning to abseil 160ft down the Sea Walls of the Avon Gorge to raise money for one of his favourite charities.

Pensioner George Russell will bravely complete his first ever abseil next month for Swindon Cats Protection. He says he is looking forward to seeing spectacular views and hopes people will sponsor him.

"I have never done an abseil before and it sounded like a challenge. I know that some of my colleagues at Cats Protection are going to be facing down their fear of heights when they take part, but I don’t feel scared as I know I’ll be in safe hands.

"I am really looking forward to it and hope I can raise as much as possible for the charity."

George has been volunteering for his local Cats Protection branch for more than 20 years, getting involved in socialising cats, fundraising and cleaning. He and his wife have been cat fosterers and have adopted six rescue cats from the charity.

He said: "Now I want to do something extra special to help raise funds for all the cats that need it."

Cats Protection's regional fundraising manager, Rebecca Worth, said: "We are delighted that George is taking part and hope his enthusiasm will encourage other people to sign up for the challenge."

To sponsor George, visit his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/George-Russell4/

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.