Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vet to take on ‘toughest footrace on earth’
The Marathon Des Sables is described as 'the toughest footrace on earth'.

Kerry Allison to trek the Sahara Desert for Breast Cancer Care

A vet who survived cancer is set to take on ‘the toughest footrace on earth’ to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care.

Kerry Allison will be taking part in this years’ Marathon Des Sables - a gruelling multi-stage trek through the Saraha Desert. With temperatures reaching more than 50 degrees centigrade, Kerry will also be required to carry everything that she needs to survive, except water, on her back.

Writing on her JustGiving page, Ms Allison said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept 2013, three days before my 40th birthday. I underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“The years following my diagnosis were difficult, leading to my 17-year relationship with my partner breaking down.”

She continued: “Running (and biking) along with the friends I've made have always played a significant part in my life to help me through the good and the bad times. I needed something to challenge me away from my professional and personal life and their difficulties.”

Ranked by the Discovery Channel as the 'toughest footrace on earth', the Marathon Des Sables is now in its 30th year. Competitors come from all over the world to compete in the race, covering a staggering 251km over the course of seven days (the equivalent of five and a half marathons).

At the time of writing, Kerry had received 46 per cent of her £4,000 target. To support Kerry and make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerry-allison

Image (C) Kaisove/Wikimedia Commons

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.