We are delighted to say that third year veterinary student, Victoria Reid, is running the Robin Hood half marathon to raise vital funds for The Links Group, after we delivered training to her year at vet school.
In June this year, we delivered training on the link between abuse of animals and abuse of people to 3rd year students at Nottingham vet school as part of our Vet Schools Training programme, kindly supported by MSD Animal Health. The training includes outlining the unique role vet teams play in recognising and acting on suspected non accidental injuries or other forms of abuse and provides practical guidance to support teams when these cases occur.
Victoria says, “The Links Group came to deliver a presentation to my cohort about how to approach cases of animal abuse that we could potentially come across when we are professionals. They also outlined the connection between pet and human domestic abuse.
“The presentation moved and harrowed me. I deeply care about this topic – not just by virtue of the vocational path I have chosen out of a love for all animals, but because I have engaged in activism work and literature related to violence against women and domestic abuse for many years.
“The Links Group is a small charity that does fantastic and life-saving work, both for humans and animals by providing research, resources and training. Also, their specialist pet fostering services sub-group connects victims escaping domestic abuse to a volunteer foster carer that can keep their animals safe while they themselves are sheltered at a refuge or temporary accommodation”.
Victoria has run this half-marathon before, so she knows what’s ahead of her. She added “Whilst getting the mileage up provides a well-deserved break from preparing for my exams in October, I’m finding training more inspiring knowing that I’m running for a worthy cause.”
As a small charity, we rely heavily on donations and are extremely grateful to Victoria for her support. She has created a Crowdfunder page where you can learn more and support her fundraising efforts to reach her £350 target.
Good luck, Victoria, from all at The Links Group!
