Hi there, my name is Katie Spencer. I have just completed my final year of A levels and will be starting a Veterinary Medicine degree September 2017. I am taking a gap year to both resolve medical issues and to gain valuable experiences while working with animals.
I am deeply passionate about animal welfare and ethics. This is my main reasoning for wanting to use my gap year in order to assist with the care of animals in need through various charities and projects. As mentioned I am also taking this year out to receive treatment for my medical diagnosis of Focal Epilepsy. Whilst the diagnosis has been difficult both on me and family, it’s also been a great motivator in terms of wanting to get out into the world to gain special memories and life experiences.
The main project I intend to volunteer with is “The Great Projects” based at their wildlife sanctuary in Namibia where they “provide a safe refuge for orphaned and injured wildlife as well as those that have had to be relocated away from local farms as they are seen as 'problem carnivores,' and can often be killed as a result.” Their work is truly amazing and they frequently rescue, rehabilitate and sometimes release animals, such as cheetahs, baboons and leopards, back into the wild. While I am there I will be assisting with daily responsibilities including feeding and caring for the rescued animals as well as carrying out necessary repairs and conservation surveys. The money I raise will be used to pay for my stay out there and to support the work of the project.
To enable me to raise sufficient funds I am participating in the Birmingham Half Marathon on 16th October 2016 for which I am seeking sponsorship. Any donations, big or small, would be gratefully received and if you would like to know more about the project please visit https://www.thegreatprojects.com/projects/namibia-wildlife-sanctuary or contact me on katiespencer136@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading my story and your support,
Katie xx