Unfortunately - injury means I can't complete this year !

Hopefully should be OK in a year - if I can find a place.

This will be my fifth London Marathon, the last one was years ago. I have never made a "respectable" time - but have always managed to complete the course (often through sheer bloody mindedness).

So what has led me, despite increasing girth, creaking knees and hips, to have one last foray - before my pension kicks in? The answer is the fantastic work that VetLife does.

I have been priviledged to work in a wonderful profession for over 40 years. However, it is not all the rosy "All Creatures Great & Small" image. The suicide rate for vets is high and the pressures on vets seem to be growing. Working as a vet can be very lonely - even if you are part of a large busy practice. Vets face tremendous demands upon their compassion, whilst endeavoring to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Vets have to walk a tightrope - balancing appropriate patient care with owner's financial constraints. All the while facing a burn-out of their own emotions. Added in to the tightrope challenge are strong side winds. These include client complaints, an often unfair social and other media, what can seem an uncaring professional regulator and sometimes even business demands.

Falling from the tightrope can be a pit of despair - or even worse.

VetLife is there to try and provide a safety net. A listening, non-judgmental ear. Support and guidance towards other mental health professionals when needed. Financial assistance can also sometimes be necessary.

VetLife is the profession's own charity. It is right that we, as vets, should provide the funding. However, if you - as an animal owner or keeper, care for the members of the veterinary team that look after your pets or animals, would you consider supporting VetLife too?

VetLife strives to help ensure that we don't lose another colleague to suicide and helps find ways to allow vets to return to work. The vet smiling at you as they vaccinate and cuddle your new puppy - may also be the vet struggling with internal turmoil in a state of desperation.

Please help VetLife help care for the professionals who care for your animals.

Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart, the bulging blisters, the arthritic joints, and the places the Vaseline can't reach.

Bob

PS - I am using JustGiving as their charges are about 25% less than the standard Charity donation page used by London Marathon. This way more of your money goes to VetLife - rather than commerce riding on the back of charities!