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Vet to take on ‘toughest footrace on earth’
The Marathon Des Sables is described as 'the toughest footrace on earth'.

Kerry Allison to trek the Sahara Desert for Breast Cancer Care

A vet who survived cancer is set to take on ‘the toughest footrace on earth’ to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care.

Kerry Allison will be taking part in this years’ Marathon Des Sables - a gruelling multi-stage trek through the Saraha Desert. With temperatures reaching more than 50 degrees centigrade, Kerry will also be required to carry everything that she needs to survive, except water, on her back.

Writing on her JustGiving page, Ms Allison said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept 2013, three days before my 40th birthday. I underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“The years following my diagnosis were difficult, leading to my 17-year relationship with my partner breaking down.”

She continued: “Running (and biking) along with the friends I've made have always played a significant part in my life to help me through the good and the bad times. I needed something to challenge me away from my professional and personal life and their difficulties.”

Ranked by the Discovery Channel as the 'toughest footrace on earth', the Marathon Des Sables is now in its 30th year. Competitors come from all over the world to compete in the race, covering a staggering 251km over the course of seven days (the equivalent of five and a half marathons).

At the time of writing, Kerry had received 46 per cent of her £4,000 target. To support Kerry and make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerry-allison

Image (C) Kaisove/Wikimedia Commons

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.