Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Let’s face it, most of us have our own furry/scaly friends back at home: healthy, well fed, safe and bringing incomparable joy to our lives, yet not all animals are so lucky, which is why I need your help...

Who are Animals Asia?

Animals Asia is devoted to ending the barbaric practice of bear bile farming, and improving the welfare of cats & dogs in China and Vietnam. They promote compassion and respect for all animals and work to bring about long-term change. 

While I'm not personally linked to Animals Asia, I've previously been involved in charity events for animal welfare in Beijing. Despite a growing awareness of animal welfare in the country, Chinese news remains rife with stories of animals being mistreated and tortured - and that's just the tip of ice berg.

What will I be doing? 

In support of Animals Asia, I will run the half marathon (21km or 13 miles) along Beijing’s Great Wall on Oct 21 this year, as part of the Great Wall of China Autumn Marathon 2018. As a complete rookie with zero marathon experience, combined with the Great Wall’s challenging terrain, this will be no easy feat, and I’ll be putting myself through a training program over the next 8 weeks.

What does this mean to me?

Growing up, I lived in a loving household filled with animals (cats, dogs, hamsters, chickens, ducks, fish, rabbits, mice, and myself [occasionally]); I’m also currently the owner of a mischievous one-year-old feline. The idea that other animals can be offered the same compassion means a great deal to me. 

Kudos to you if you’re considering sponsoring or simply sharing this cause on your Facebook timeline - the need is real and urgent! 

How will the money be spent?

Your generous sponsorship will go towards covering the marathon entry fee of £192 (or ￥1,700), which covers accommodation, food and transport to the wall between Oct 20-21. The remainder will go towards Animals Asia's brilliant work in rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing all kinds of animals in China and Vietnam.

What’s the history of Animals Asia?

Founded in 1998, Animals Asia promotes compassion and respect for all animals and works to bring about long-term change. We work to end the barbaric bear bile trade, which sees over 10,000 bears kept on bile farms in China, and, according to official figures, about 1,200 suffering the same fate in Vietnam.

Animals Asia has rescued over 500 bears, caring for them at its award-winning bear sanctuaries in China and Vietnam.

Animals Asia also works to end the trade in dogs and cats for food in China and Vietnam, and lobbies to improve the welfare of companion animals, promote humane population management and prevent the cross border export of "meat dogs" in Asia.

In addition, Animals Asia campaigns for an end to abusive animal practices in zoos and safari parks in Asia, and works closely with governing authorities to improve animal management and increase awareness of the welfare needs of captive animals.

PLEASE SHARE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, EVERY PENNY COUNTS. 

Finally, help spread the word by sharing my link on your Facebook timeline (or WeChat Moments)! 

Thank you, Cassius Wortmann 吴凯

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