Intense physical challenge set to take place in July.
Felicity Caddick, senior veterinary manager at pharmaceutical company Animalcare, is aiming to complete her first Ironman Challenge, in the hopes of raising vital funds for StreetVet.
StreetVet offers free and accessible veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness in the UK. It has recently launched an accredited hostel scheme and funds raised by Animalcare will help to ensure that pets entering these hostels will receive adequate veterinary care.
The Ironman Challenge will take place on 25 July in Nottingham and will require Ms Caddick to:
- swim 3.8 km at the Regatta Lake at the National Watersports Centre
- cycle for 180 km through the Nottinghamshire countryside
- run a 42 km marathon along the River Trent path.
Her training for the Ironman has seen her complete virtual Ironman Challenges every weekend since April 2020. These have included variable distance runs and bike rides, as swimming has not been possible. She was one of only 122 people worldwide to complete the entire series in 2020.
Ms Caddick said: “Training in three different sports requires specific plans for each element but also the ability to be able to perform them one after another. Because of COVID-19 I have had to train mostly alone and I’ve completed much of cycling training indoors on my turbo trainer.
“It’s challenging not being able to carry out swimming training and this won’t be possible until swimming pools or outdoor swimming venues are allowed to reopen.”
She continued: “COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on people experiencing homelessness and their pets. The need for StreetVet and its services has increased while its veterinary costs have doubled and, in some months, tripled during lockdown.
“The charity wants to ensure that its volunteers can always be there when they are needed so I am delighted to be raising funds to help to make sure that they can continue their wonderful work.”
Image (c) AnimalCare.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
