Daniella Dos Santos completes London Marathon in seven hours and four minutes
An exotics vet overcame a spider bite and scorching temperatures to raise money for animal welfare at the 2018 Virgin London Marathon.
Daniella Dos Santos had planned to undertake the gruelling 26.2 miles dressed as an ostrich. But the early summer heatwave and subsequent warning from event organisers not to run in costume meant that she had to drop the idea.
Thankfully, the heat - together with a nasty spider bite and a leg injury - did not stop Daniella completing the Marathon in seven hours and four minutes and raising more than £1,600 for the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF).
Commenting on her achievement, Daniela said: “I have a real knack of getting bitten by spiders and ending up in pretty bad shape. About three weeks ago I was bitten, for the sixth time, by a spider in Australia. Walking, let alone running, was a challenge, and as a result, I picked up an injury in my other leg. Though I wasn’t as fit as I’d have liked to have been, I decided to run so that AWF can continue their amazing work for animal welfare worldwide.
“I managed to cross the line safely 34 minutes later than I had aimed for, but given that it was the hottest London Marathon on record and I was nursing an injury, I am happy with my achievement. I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support of AWF, my colleagues at work and at the British Veterinary Association (BVA), and my friends and family – it’s what got me over the finish line.”
Chris Laurence, AWF chair of trustees, added: “I am amazed at the incredible grit and determination Daniella has shown in her quest to raise vital money for AWF’s work. The funds will go a long way in supporting our work in improving animal welfare. On behalf of the organisation, I’d like to thank her for her support.”
There is still time to support Daniella reach her £2,000 fundraising goal. Visit https://tinyurl.com/yawec8k3 or text EGGS26 £5 to 70070 to donate.
Image (C) BVA
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
