In 2021 Claire and I will celebrate 30 years of being married. We are both leaving the Garston practice and looking forward to new challenges in our lives. Once the current travel restrictions are lifted we plan to work in Botswana for the animal charity SPANA.

Established in 1923, SPANA works in some of the world’s poorest communities to improve the lives of working animals. The charity does this in three key ways – treatment, training and teaching.

SPANA treats by providing free veterinary care to sick and injured animals. It trains local animal owners, helping them to care for their animals and prevent avoidable problems. And it teaches children – the animal owners of the future – to develop feelings of compassion, empathy and respect for animals, bringing about long term improvements in their welfare.

In developing countries worldwide, working horses, donkeys, mules, elephants and camels have a vital role. By doing the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis, they help provide a small income for poverty-stricken families. However, without SPANA, these animals would often have no access to essential veterinary treatment. 

SPANA has been working in Botswana since 2015. The charity runs a mobile veterinary clinic based out of Maun, a town in the north of the country known locally as ‘Donkey Town’.

SPANA treats horses and donkeys in need of help in remote, rural areas.
The charity also trains veterinary professionals and working animal owners and works in local schools to teach children about animal welfare through its education programme. 

As volunteers we hope in a small way to help SPANA with this important work. We would love you to show us your support by donating to the charity if you are able.

With our thanks

Neil and Claire Brimson.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.