Devon dad goes extra mile for PDSA

01 March 2024

A Devon dad has gone the extra mile for pets in need after running the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise vital funds for leading vet charity PDSA.

Rob Greenslade, (44), who lives in Barnstaple, signed up to the 13-mile challenge as part of his recovery journey following some mental health struggles.

“I started running to be a healthier, happier version of myself,” Rob explained. “I was quite out of shape and my mental health had been suffering. I began running and needed some sort of target to train towards.

“After deciding to sign up to the Royal Parks Half Marathon, it seemed fitting to also use the challenge to raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

Rob lives with his wife, two sons, and four-year-old Cocker Spaniel Crumble.

“Another big part of my mental health recovery was my dog Crumble, so I knew I wanted to do something to raise funds for pets in some way.

“After spending some time researching animal charities, I came across PDSA and knew it was the right choice.”

Every day across its 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA protects the special bond between owners and their four-legged friends.

The teams provide veterinary care to sick and injured pets whose owners otherwise couldn’t afford to pay the full cost of treatment. The charity has been keeping people and pets together for over a hundred years.

"My family wanted a dog for years until I finally gave in and got Crumble,” adds Rob. “I never thought I’d say it, but Crumble has changed my life for the better – we love spending time together and she's my best friend.

“I quickly realised how important pets are. That companionship, the need to get out and walk them, socialising with other pet owners, it’s all so important for your health and wellbeing - whether that’s physical or mental.

“The thought of someone having to give up their pet because they couldn’t afford them is heartbreaking which is why I wanted to raise money for PDSA.”

The Royal Parks Half Marathon sees runners go past many of the famous London landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Houses of Parliament.

“It was a brilliant day and I’m so proud of myself for completing it. But the best part - through generous donations from friends and family, I raised £490 for PDSA. Then the company I work for matched the amount, meaning we donated almost £1,000 to PDSA!”

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.  

PDSA’s Public Fundraising Manager, Jojo Blythen, said: “We’re all so thankful to Rob for choosing to take on this fantastic challenge for PDSA. His generous fundraising efforts will enable us to continue our life-saving work, treating pets whose owners have nowhere else to turn. It is thanks to the incredible support of kind-hearted people like Rob that we are able to provide vital treatment for poorly animals and make a real difference to their owners.”

Find out more at pdsa.org.uk