Vet specialist runs half marathon for Vetlife UK
Pictured: Jessica Grant, Veterinary Specialist at Northwest Veterinary Specialists.
Jessica Grant, a veterinary specialist from Northwest Veterinary Specialists in Cheshire, has run a half marathon to raise funds for veterinary charity Vetlife UK.
Vetlife, an independent charity, provides free-to-access and confidential support to veterinary professionals experiencing mental and physical health or financial problems.
A European and RCVS specialist in oncology, Jessica spoke about why she chose to support Vetlife: “I really wanted to support a charity which was related to veterinary mental health as it is a topic that is so relevant and close to my heart.
“Many of my past and present colleagues, and myself included, have suffered from mental ill heath in the past and so many people I know have used and needed Vetlife when times were tough.”
Running the Manchester Half Marathon, Jessica raised £1,100 for Vetlife UK, and made a time of under two hours.
She said: “The run went as well as I could have hoped. I had been really ill in the two weeks leading up to the run so I had made the decision just to finish the run, rather than to try to get a good time.
“I think this actually made the run more enjoyable. The atmosphere at the start was electric – the camaraderie of my fellow athletes was brilliant – and the weather was perfect.
“I also received an incredible amount of support, both in donations as well as good luck messages, and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such a brilliant team.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
