Fundraising nan raises £2,000 for PDSA in memory of dog

18 June 2024

A 62-year-old nan from Newport has raised £2,000 for leading vet charity, PDSA, in memory of her dog, who was sadly put to sleep last year.

Julie Murphy’s six-year-old Shih-Tzu, Gracie, had to be tragically put down at Cardiff PDSA Pet Hospital following some complications from a slipped disc.

“Gracie was my whole world,” Julie explained. “I live on my own so having her as company meant everything to me. She was my girl.”

Inspiring Julie has done many challenges and events for different charities over the years, despite having a paralysed leg leaving her disabled.

Motivated by her love for Gracie and gratitude for the care provided by PDSA, Julie decided to dust off her collection tin and take on a new challenge. Her determination and passion led to an impressive £2,000 being raised, honouring Gracie’s memory and supporting the vital work of PDSA. 

“When she had to be put down, I was a right state, I even collapsed in the room at the vets, I couldn’t handle it, the grief was completely overwhelming,” Julie explained.

“PDSA were absolutely brilliant with us – not just with Gracie in her final moments, but with me, as I came to terms with losing my best friend. I can’t thank them enough.

“After a few months, I thought I have got to do something to give back to them so I hosted a night in memory of my Gracie.”

Julie hosted a club night at Ringland Labour Club in Newport, Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band played, and she had prizes donated to form a raffle. Through ticket sales, the raffle and generous party-goers, Julie raised £2,000 for PDSA.

Michael Connor, Veterinary Nurse at Cardiff PDSA Pet Hospital, said: “We’re all so thankful to Julie for supporting PDSA in this way. It is thanks to the incredible support of kind-hearted people like Julie that we are able to provide vital treatment for poorly pets and make a real difference to their owners, who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn.

“Losing a pet is one of the most heartbreaking things a pet owner can go through, and it is admirable that Julie has turned her grief into something so positive to help others. Thank you again, Julie!”

The charity, which receives no government funding, costs over £80 million a year to run. Cardiff PDSA Pet Hospital is one of 49 PDSA Pet Hospitals across the country. In 2023, the team there saw an average of 129 pets a day.

“Organising this event in memory of Gracie gave me some meaning and purpose, something to get up and focus on,” Julie added. “I’d encourage anyone who can to fundraise for charity, it’s so rewarding.”

To find out more, or host your own fundraising event for PDSA, visit pdsa.org.uk.