Two dedicated teams in Liverpool have completed the challenge to raise vital funds
Twenty-eight staff members from Huyton and Kirkdale PDSA Pet Hospitals have walked the distance between all of the charity’s 48 hospitals – approximately 2,076 miles – to raise money for pets in need.
Vet Helen Allwood from Huyton PDSA, The Thomas Williams Centre, said: “Since Covid-19 hit the UK in March last year we have been working hard on the frontline to treat poorly pets. Even during a pandemic pets still get sick and injured, but thankfully we have managed to keep our vital emergency veterinary services going, despite huge challenges.”
Last year, Huyton PDSA got involved in the fundraising event, World Big Dog Walk, and walked 1,000 miles in just one month. Earlier this year the Huyton and Kirkdale Pet Hospital teams joined forces to take on this bigger challenge, and have just completed their epic milestone. They hope to raise £2,076 to match the distance walked, and people can still support them through their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pdsa-huyton
Helen said: “It’s been great fun, and many of us have discovered new walks right on our doorstep. One of our Vet Nurses Catherine has a Border Collie called Buddy, who has enjoyed contributing a few hundred miles. Whereas my old Lab, Scout, loves to stop and sniff wherever we go, so we don’t get very far!”
The team are also keen to improve their mental health and wellbeing after such a challenging year. Helen said: “Mental health is a priority at PDSA, and walking is proven to improve your mood. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety – something we could all benefit from after the year we’ve had.”
Helen added: “The pandemic has put into perspective just how important our service is. I can’t imagine what would happen to our pet patients if PDSA wasn’t here to help. That’s why we decided to take on this fundraising challenge – to help PDSA continue to be there for pets of people in need.”
Money raised will help keep PDSA’s essential vet services running, providing a vital lifeline for the pets of owners who are struggling to afford vet treatment. In the 12 months since the first lockdown in March 2020, the two PDSA Pet Hospitals in Liverpool have provided a combined 13,175 essential face-to-face consultations, performed 1,416 life-saving operations, and an incredible 59,765 phone appointments.
