Update 27.03.2024: continued training as we head towards the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 7th April.  

I would very much love to reach my £8,000 target.  It's all going to the Royal Veterinary College who work with very sick animals.  All donations greatly appreciated and for remembering little Cherry and uncle Peter.

Update 01.01.2024: my fundraising efforts will continue this year as I keep my page open to continue to raise money for the RVC. 

Very sadly, my uncle Peter (mum's brother) was diagnosed with lung and bone cancer in November 2023 and he died 4 weeks later. There was no opportunity for treatment as he was too unwell and spent this time in hospital and then at the Heart of Kent Hospice where he died on the 8th December. 

Peter’s wish was for minimal flowers at his funeral and for donations to be made to the RVC. He too loved Cherry and he also had a chow chow some years ago who was also treated by the RVC. He was keen for people to continue to support their work and very kindly offered to support my fundraising for this  

Thanks to all who continue to donate  I am running the London Landmarks Half Marathon this year and shall raise as much as I can until then  

Update:  London Landmarks Half Marathon and London Marathon both complete and very happy to have done both!

We found and homed Cherry, a beautiful little Maltese, (and her sister, Saffy, who is still with us) in 2017 and they came home with us when they were just 12 weeks old.  Cherry was an amazing dog with a wonderful happy personality.  She gave us so much joy, love and happiness.

Sadly, in June 2021 she was diagnosed with inflammatory meningitis and was subsequently treated by the RVC, having regular chemotherapy and daily steroids. She endured many long journeys to the hospital and overnight stays, as well as regular trips to our local vets for ongoing tests, overnight stays and various treatments.  Our local vets, The Laurels, Bromley, are also fabulous and showed a level of care and support that went above and beyond. 

Cherry relapsed in August 2022 and the following 4 months were challenging for her, with the chemotherapy increasing and suffering complications as a result of the treatment and the medication.  The RVC couldn't have been more supportive and caring.  All the staff there were always so accommodating and the vets in particular so knowledgeable in dealing with Cherry's illness.

Sadly, we lost Cherry on the 23rd December 2022.  We were all with her.  Cherry and Saffy were our first dogs and we could not have asked for more loving and amazing pets, a real part of our family.  Cherry was such a happy, joyful and delightful dog, loving life to the fullest.  She was just adorable.  

We are grateful to all staff at the RVC for the care and love they gave Cherry.  They allowed us to have her for 18 months longer than we might otherwise have had.  They do an exceptional job and we thank you for all you did for Cherry.

I would like to raise as much as I can for a pet hospital who provide such amazing care and I thank you for your support.

My first mission will be the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 2 April.  My second, the London Marathon on Sunday 23 April which will not be an easy task...

Thank you for your support.

Barbara x

The Animal Care Trust exists to support the Royal Veterinary College's wide range of clinical, research and educational activities aimed at improving animal health and care. Your generous donations help us to support over 20,000 poorly pets a year, giving our patients access to innovative treatments and the best facilities to keep them comfortable while they are in our care. It is only thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supp