I am running my first major marathon in 2019...and this is for two deserving animal charities:

In January 2018 I volunteered for an animal rehabilitation centre in Costa Rica with my mum and it was a life changing experience. I was nervous about volunteering there as you can never tell from a website whether a charity is genuine. This place really is though. Bernal and Marielos founded the centre out of their passion and love for wounded, injured and sick animals, some that are bought as pets and then abandoned once their owners become bored or cannot look after them. The centre is very close to my heart and I want to include my marathon in continuing my fundraising for the centre since my return home.

The story of my stay can be found on my blog: https://passionforouroceans.wordpress.com/2018/02/14/my-trip-to-costa-rica/ and a link to the centre's website is here: http://www.costaricaanimalrescuecenter.org/

I regularly listen to Joe Rogan podcasts, and on the 9th February 2018 I listened to the Phil Demers podcast. This man is a truly amazing, awe inspiring human, speaking on behalf of the animals that have to endure an abhorrent cruelty filled life at Marineland, Canada. Phil highlights his personal experience at Marineland, (which did originate with him being a trainer), but the podcast also highlights cruelty inflicted at other oceanariums and how attitudes are now so changed that the captive marine mammal industry needs to stop.

Phil has had to personally suffer so much since he bravely spoke out for these animals; through the legal battle that the owner of Marineland has inflicted upon him (Jonh Holer), and the repercussions of this including lack of employment. The link to the Joe Rogan podcast is here: http://podcasts.joerogan.net/podcasts/phil-demers-3 and the link to Phil's gofundme page and story is here: https://uk.gofundme.com/StopMarineland

Thank-you

Cally