Rachel with dogs Chilli and Wisp
Veterinary Nurse To Help Sri Lankan Street Dogs
2 months ago 
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A veterinary nurse is set to join a life-saving mission overseas.
Rachel Bean from Saddleworth will travel to Sri Lanka to support a spay and neuter clinic for street dogs in Yala, a remote safari region.
The clinic, taking place in January 2026, is organised by UK-based charity Lucas Helps Dogs and aims to treat at least 200 animals over three days.
Ms Bean said: "Working with dogs has been my life's mission. "Whether in UK clinics or on the streets of Asia, the need for knowledgeable, compassionate care is universal.
"I am excited to join the Yala clinic to support local efforts, share best practices, and deliver hands-on help to both animals and communities."
With more than 30 years of experience in animal care, Ms Bean began her career in 1994 as an assistant kennel manager for Dogs Trust and qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2002.
She has since become one of the UK’s leading canine first aid tutors and has worked on animal welfare projects in Thailand, India, Kenya, and China.
Her expertise in veterinary care and education will help the Lucas Helps Dogs team deliver professional support in Yala, where street dogs live in poor conditions and have no access to treatment.
Alena Warburton, founder of Lucas Helps Dogs, said: "With outstanding experts like Rachel in our team, we can bring truly world-class care and education to places where animals suffer needlessly.
"But we can’t do this clinic without extra help. "Every donation, however small, will take us closer to changing the lives of hundreds of dogs and cats in Yala."
Lucas Helps Dogs funds regular clinics in Sri Lanka and has already carried out more than 1,400 spay and neuter surgeries.
The charity relies on volunteers who pay for their own travel so that 99 per cent of donations can go directly toward animal care.
However, the additional cost of running the Yala clinic means the charity is still £2,000 short of its funding target. To find out more or to donate, visit www.lucashelpsdogs.com/yala
7 hours ago