Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Exotics vet raises more than £1,600 for animal welfare
Daniella raised more than £1,600 for the Animal Welfare Foundation.

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

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.