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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th May 2023
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

‘Rubbish’ artist plans animal portrait marathon
One of Hercule's 'rubbish' portraits.

The event will raise funds for charities including StreetVet.

A ‘rubbish’ animal portrait artist who rose to fame during lockdown is planning to undertake a portrait marathon to raise funds for the charities StreetVet and Turning Tides.

Hercule Van Wolfwinkle, real name Phil Heckels, will walk 26 miles from Worthing to Brighton and back again on Sunday, 14 May. Along the way he’ll be stopping once a mile to badly draw the pets of people who come out to see him on his route.

Hercule started to draw what he describes as ‘rubbish’ portraits of pets in 2020 to entertain his son during the first coronavirus lockdown.

After his work went viral online, he began to use his lack of artistic talent to raise money for charity. People commissioning portraits of their pets from Hercule have been encouraged to make a donation to one of his two chosen charities: Turning Tides, a local homelessness charity, and StreetVet, which provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

One famous face who received a portrait from Hercule was Paul O’Grady, who was an ambassador for StreetVet.

Since he started fundraising, Hercule has raised more than £260,000 for the two charities.

Jade Statt, clinical director, brand ambassador and co-founder of StreetVet, will be joining Hercule for part of the route. She said: “We are so incredibly happy to have Hercule supporting us, his drawings are hilarious and never fail to make us laugh. His fundraising efforts have been of incredible help to us and we love the idea of his portrait marathon.”

Those who wish to donate to StreetVet, but won’t be able to make it to the route, are encouraged to donate online.

 

Image (C) Hercule Van Wolfwinkle

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

VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.