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Georgie’s 50km Challenge 50km for a 50ft fall Foundation For Retired Service Animals (NFRSA)

Ginge Swillan is raising money for National Foundation For Retired Service Animals (NFRSA)

Bath 50 Challenge · 20 March 2027 · Start fundraising for this event

The NFRSA supports retired service dogs and horses with veterinary care and well-being when their careers end. More than 700 heroes registered and over £280,000 gifted since our launch in 2022. 100% supporter funded. They spent their lives protecting us. We believe they deserve protection too.

Story

Georgie’s 50km Challenge – 50km for a 50ft fall

Running the Bath Ultra Marathon – 20th March 2027

Meet Georgie, my Devon & Cornwall Police Dog and one very special girl.

Georgie has been by my side since she was just five months old. Over the years, we’ve built a bond that goes far beyond that of a handler and their dog. She’s been my working partner, companion and a huge part of my life. To say she’s special to me would be an understatement.

On 11th September 2026, while out on a walk, Georgie decided that climbing onto a five foot wall surrounding a viaduct was a good idea. Unfortunately, as she scaled the wall, she lost her footing and fell approximately 50 feet to the ground below.

Against all the odds, Georgie survived. However, the fall left her with a shattered right femur and a collapsed lung. What followed was an incredibly difficult and frightening time, but Georgie showed a level of resilience, determination and spirit that was nothing short of inspirational.

Watching her fight through the incident and work her way through recovery has been a reminder of just how remarkable these animals are. They give us so much throughout their lives, asking for very little in return.

Now it’s my turn to give something back.

On 20th March 2027, I’ll be taking on the Bath Ultra Marathon – a gruelling 50km challenge raising money for the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals NFRSA

The distance is no coincidence. The 50km represents one kilometre for every foot Georgie fell. Every kilometre will be a reminder of what she survived, the fight she’s shown and the incredible spirit of our four legged working partners.

Why the NFRSA?

The National Foundation for Retired Service Animals is a registered charity dedicated to supporting the welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency services and public sector. This includes police dogs and horses, as well as animals from the fire and rescue service, prison service, Border Force, NHS, National Crime Agency and MOD Police.

When these animals retire, the financial support they received during their working careers comes to an end. Unfortunately, as they get older, veterinary bills, ongoing medication and unexpected medical treatment can become increasingly expensive. Insurance can also be difficult or unaffordable to obtain.

The NFRSA provides financial grants to help with these veterinary and medical costs, ensuring that retired service animals can receive the treatment and care they deserve without placing an unbearable financial burden on the families who look after them.

Importantly, the charity also recognises the unique bond between a handler and their working partner. These animals aren’t simply employees who have reached retirement age; they’re family. They’ve spent their working lives helping to protect us, often putting themselves in challenging and dangerous situations, and they deserve to enjoy their retirement with the people they love.

The NFRSA’s mission is simple: Protect Our Protectors.

Please support us

Georgie’s story is just one example of the incredible resilience and spirit shown by our working dogs. There are countless retired service animals who have given years of loyal service and now need a little help in return.

I’d be hugely grateful for any donation, no matter how big or small. Every penny raised will help the NFRSA continue its fantastic work supporting these remarkable animals in their retirement.

If Georgie can survive a 50 foot fall and come through everything she’s faced, the least I can do is run 50km in her honour!

Thank you for supporting us. ❤️

Donation summary

Total
£360.00
+ £85.00 Gift Aid
Online
£360.00
Offline
£0.00

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