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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th October 2023
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

Runner completes 200th marathon for cat charity
"You don’t know what you can do till you try.”- Emma Challis.
Emma Challis overcame serious health problems to reach milestone.

A charity runner has reached a milestone, as she finishes her 200th marathon in aid of Cats Protection.

Emma Challis, from Shepton Mallet, ran the marathon from Salisbury to Winchester in aid of the feline welfare charity.  The former veterinary nurse had to overcome serious health problems, including blood clots, to complete the marathon.

Ms Challis started running long distance in 2013, as a way to strengthen her muscles after two serious accidents.  In 1997, Emma damaged her spine in a car accident. Then, in 2007, she fractured her pelvis after falling down the stairs.

In 2016 she was diagnosed with a long-standing blood clotting condition, which had been causing her pain for many years. A few days after completing her 28th marathon she was told she had multiple prominent clots in her lungs.

She also suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition which was worsened by the Covid lockdowns.

Despite these challenges, Ms Challis has completed ultra-marathons and full-distance triathlons. Last year, she ran over 1,500 miles.

Her most recent marathon saw her raise money and awareness for Cats Protection, a charity that she has close links to. Ms Challis rehabilitates and fosters cats for Cats Protections’ Glastonbury and Wells branch, and is currently caring for her 102nd cat, called Kevin.

Emma Challis said: “I really enjoy my sports events and get such pleasure from doing them - I feel amazing before, during and after,”

“As it’s a social activity, I’ve made many super friends. I also feel very lucky and fortunate to be able to take part in these events considering the damage my body received from developing blood clots. Although the damage is permanent, I manage ok and benefit in many ways from doing so much exercise.”

She continued: “I never thought I could achieve any of this because of my health problems but I refuse to let life get me down,

“You don’t know what you can do till you try.”

Image © Cats Protection

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

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.