Thanks for taking the time to visit my birthday JustGiving page.

It's that time of year again where people are asking what I want for my birthday. The truth is - I really am blessed with everything I want, and more importantly, everything I need. My last birthday was my favourite so far, I had so much fun Twinning Toilets through the generosity of family and friends, and so this year I want to champion another great cause. 

I have chosen to support the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC).

Why Rabies?

Many of you will know that us Fishwicks welcomed a new edition to the family this summer - a chocolately lab pup called Harvey. He and Ollie are very cute together (http://instagram.com/oliverandharveythelabradors)

We love dogs, and don't have to think twice about our safety with them in our home. (Shame the same can't be said about the safety of our designer glasses, eh Mum?) However, this isn't the same across the world. Rabies, a deadly virus, carried by dogs and other animals causes tens of thousands of deaths each year, most of which are in the poorest places on earth.

Up until recently I knew very little about rabies, until I read a blog on the BMA website. The disgusting thing is that rabies is preventable. The most cost effective way of preventing rabies in people is by vaccinating dogs. 

(Read the WHO's factsheet on Rabies for more information http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs099/en/)

GARC are doing an awesome job of preventing human deaths by rabies. They develop community led movements to educate children on safety around animals, teach vital first aid skills, support vaccinating dogs, improve access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, help develop infrastructure that will be used to simultaneously control other diseases, and are campaigning for rabies to take higher political priority internationally. This holistic approach really is impressive.

So, if you were thinking of giving me a gift this year, please consider supporting this cause, even the cost of a birthday card would be much appreciated. Even if you are unable to donate, please take a look at the GARC website (http://rabiesalliance.org/) and learn at least one new thing about rabies today.

Thank you to all reading this, and thanks to Oliver and Harvey for all the fun, loyalty and cute Instagram fodder you provide us!

Sarah xx

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