(l-r): Rebecca Ray (mascot / Reynalds Cross), Lindsey Whitburn (608 Vet Practice), Laura Doddato (Linnaeus), Cara Rose (Reynalds Cross) and Dawn Brettell (Reynalds Cross)
United Effort From Vets To Support Solihull School
2 years ago 
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Teamwork is set to make the dream work at a Solihull school for children with special educational needs.
Forty-two members of the central support team at UK and Ireland veterinary group Linnaeus, which is based in Solihull, are hoping to raise more than £3,000 to help Reynalds Cross School in Kineton Green Road.
Linnaeus-owned 608 Vet Practice, which has surgeries in Solihull, Shirley and Bentley Heath, are also joining in to support the local school.
The catalyst for the fundraising is Laura Doddato, part of the Linnaeus finance department, whose niece Matilda attends Reynalds Cross.
Laura explained: “My niece Matilda has autism and since she joined Reynalds Cross last September, she has flourished and developed in so many ways.
“Matilda’s uniqueness and happiness brings us so much joy as a family, so when the school reached out for support with funding we wanted to help.
“The aim is to help cover the costs of a school mascot, which is a dog called Renny, plus playground improvements so the children can enjoy the facilities safely.”
The epic fundraising event is taking place on Thursday, July 6, and Laura and the Linnaeus team are aiming high.
She added: “We are hoping to raise £3,000 and I am also trying to gain support regarding supplies for the playground improvements.
“Linnaeus has allowed the finance department to take the day off to support the event, with other members of the central support team also taking part.
“All together, we’ll be covering 240 miles in a variety of ways such as walking, running and cycling, with myself and a few colleagues completing our miles at the finish line at Reynalds Cross.
“Our colleagues at 608 Vet Practice have also agreed to support the school and will be sponsoring the school’s two therapy dogs, Marlo and Daisy, by covering the costs of their yearly medical health checks and preventative care. Because they work closely with children, it’s important to keep Marlo and Daisy’s vaccinations and flea and worm treatments up to date, and we’re grateful that 608 are providing this support.
“Therapy animals can help people with autism build social communication skills, manage their emotions, and help children build play skills.
“Animals can also provide physical assistance, like carrying things for children or opening doors. This can be especially helpful for children with disabilities that limit their mobility.
“It all promises to be a lot of fun but the emphasis is on funds so we’ve set up a JustGiving page for anyone who wants to support us.”
To find out more, visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/laura-doddato-706
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