Twin Horse Vets Wendy And Alison Talbot Harness Shanks’s Pony To Raise Money For Spinal Charity

Wendy (left) and Alison Talbot Identical twins Wendy and Alison Talbot, who are both equine vets, are preparing to put their best feet forward for this year’s London Marathon, having endured a gruelling training schedule, beset with injuries. Wendy, National Equine Manager for Zoetis UK Ltd, suffered a suspected cervical fracture last year. When she was given the all-clear she pledged to raise funds for Spinal Injuries Association by running the London Marathon. Twin sister Alison, a Clinical Teacher in Equine Orthopaedics at University of Liverpool, vowed to join her, every step of the way. Wendy explains: “After an agonising few hours my injuries turned out to be minor. It was, however, a stark reminder that none of us know what is around the corner and this type of injury really could happen to any one of us, changing our life in a matter of seconds.” For an estimated 1000 people every year in the UK, spinal cord injury is a reality that they never knew they would have to cope with. Spinal Injuries Association is a UK charity dedicated to supporting all spinal cord injured people and their families from the moment their injury occurs and for the rest of their lives. With the right help and support people can and do lead full and independent lives. The twins have motivated each other to carry on despite incurring multiple injuries between them, including a tibial stress fracture, achilles tendonitis and multiple pulled muscles. They are determined to complete the 26.2 miles, in a good time and there will of course be some sibling rivalry involved! Wendy continues: “Training has been arduous, to say the least, not only because of our impressive collection of injuries but also because of the inhospitable weather – running in rain, sleet and snow isn’t much fun! Your sponsorship support would make a huge difference to the lives of people living with spinal cord injury and would also make all our training worthwhile.” To donate visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/WendyTalbot or www.justgiving.com/alison-talbot

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