Miracle Dog Matilda Drives Hyde Park Vets Into The Mud For Very Good Causes

Matilda Marlin The Practice Team at the Hyde Park Veterinary Centre, London, W2 is used to taking on challenges, but when Matilda, a 5½ year old Jack Russell terrier cross needed multiple blood transfusions to treat her chronic anaemia, the Pet Blood Bank – the only charity of its kind in the UK – stepped in and saved Matilda's life. The Vet Charity Challenge 2012 was set up to raise money for the Pet Blood Bank, SPANA (for working animals in the developing world) and the important work of Hounds for Heroes (assistance to injured UK armed forces). The clinic's work with the Pet Blood Bank coupled with Clinic Director and Sunday Times' columnist, Andrew Prentis' long association with SPANA (he worked for them for 4 years in North Africa) inspired the practice to take part and raise money for these three causes. The team of four, known as The Complete Animals (Leah Morley, Nicky Meston, Tim Hopkins and Matthew Leong) faced a gruelling series of physical challenges and puzzle solving tasks in the grounds of the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester on Saturday 15 September 2012. With £2,500 of client sponsorship already pledged, they pushed themselves to their limits, never expecting, after competing over 8 hours with 31 other teams, to come away as national champions. The Hyde Park Veterinary Centre would now like to win the second part of the challenge by raising the most money for these three great charities. Donations can be made at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/thecompleteanimal

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