Marianne Davies from Iver in Buckinghamshire will be running ‘The Big Half’ for SPANA
Trustee Runs ‘the Big Half’ In London For Working Animal Charity Spana
2 years ago 
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Marianne Davies from Iver in Buckinghamshire will be running ‘The Big Half’, the London half marathon event, in September to raise funds for global animal charity SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad).
On 4 September, Marianne will be taking on the 13.1-mile course, which sets off by Tower Bridge and finishes at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
Marianne will be running in support of SPANA, a global charity that improves the welfare of working animals in 28 of the world’s poorest communities, of which she is a Trustee. She will also be supporting another charity, the Youth Action Alliance, which provides youth services to support the personal and social development of young people in Kensington and Chelsea, and where she also holds the role of Trustee.
Marianne currently works as Global Head of People Services with GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) and has been a member of SPANA’s Board of Trustees since September 2021.
Marianne said: ‘I am thrilled to be taking on this challenge and hope to raise invaluable funds and awareness for two inspirational charities, which are close to my heart.
‘Having visited many of the countries where SPANA works, I have seen first-hand the essential role played by working animals in the world’s poorest communities, helping families to earn a small income and survive. Working animals often live short, painful lives in terrible conditions, with no available veterinary care when they are sick or injured. This is why SPANA’s work is so vital – ensuring that animal suffering is prevented and that the welfare of working animals across the world is improved.’
Globally, an estimated 200 million working horses, donkeys, camels, elephants and other animals support the livelihoods of more than half a billion people. By doing the jobs of trucks, tractors and taxis – and transporting food, water, goods and firewood – these animals are a lifeline for poverty-stricken families around the world.
Last year, SPANA provided free veterinary care to more than 291,000 sick and injured working animals across 28 low-income countries. SPANA also delivered training in animal care to more than 87,000 owners and provided animal welfare education to more than 71,000 children, helping the owners of tomorrow to develop their understanding of animal welfare needs.
All the funds raised by Marianne will be divided equally between SPANA and the Youth Action Alliance. If you would like to donate and support Marianne’s efforts, please visit her JustGiving fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marianne-davies6
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