Our fundraisers are a vital part of the WVS team. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to support as many animals across the world and we want to celebrate the challenges they’re taking on in the name of animal welfare. This week, we’ve been chatting to Annabel Boulton who is taking on the Bournemouth Half Marathon to raise money for WVS!
Why did you choose the Bournemouth Half Marathon?
I chose the Bournemouth Half as I live and work locally in the New Forest. I took part in the Bournemouth Marathon Festival 10km last year and really enjoyed the route and atmosphere which made me want to do the longer route this year. I've always wanted to do a half marathon but have never felt brave enough before this year!
Why WVS?
WVS was my natural choice as I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and am very passionate about the provision of veterinary care across the world and believe very strongly that every animal should have basic access to veterinary intervention when needed. I also believe that education is so important to making a sustained change to the way that both working, domestic and wild animals are treated and am keen to support the efforts of WVS in this area. I am particularly passionate about changing the way working equines are treated and the conditions in which they live as unfortunately, without intervention from veterinary and education teams, many of them suffer in terrible conditions while providing a living for their owners.
Have you had any experience fundraising before?
I have never done anything like this before with such a high fundraising target but I am super keen to support WVS because I feel so strongly about their projects and aims.
What are you hoping to achieve?
I am hoping to raise as much money as possible for a charity whose values I feel very strongly about whilst having fun and challenging myself at the same time!Any advice for other people thinking about taking on a fundraising challenge?My advice would be to just do it! There really is nothing to lose and the more awareness people have about the work that WVS do the more likely change is to happen. It really is such an important and overlooked aspect of animal welfare as without veterinary care and provisions, animal charities abroad and in the UK cannot provide comprehensive care to the animals that need it most.
If you have been inspired by Annabel’s story and wish to take on a fundraising challenge for us, please get in touch, or visit our website for more information!