Leeds vets reach new heights for pets in need

03 October 2023

A dedicated team of vets have reached new heights for the pets in their care after each putting their best foot forward to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks – and raising more than £1,600 in the process.

The team of seven who work at Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital on Hepton Court swapped their pet hospital scrubs for their walking boots when they took on the incredible 24.5-mile hike.

James Funnell, Pet Hospital Leader at Leeds, said: “We’re over the moon to have raised a fantastic £1,636 and counting for PDSA.

“As a team, we witness first-hand the vital lifeline that PDSA is to so many local pets and their families, which is why we all feel so passionately about fundraising.   

“I did the Yorkshire Three Peaks route 40 years ago when I was 22 and knew it would be a good challenge for the team. Our colleague Katharine from Bradford PDSA Pet Hospital has also done the hike before - 16 times - so joined us, too.”

The Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge saw the team take on Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, a total of 40km of walking, with a 5,200ft ascent.

James, who’s been at Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital for 19 years, was joined on the challenge by colleagues across the Pet Hospital team including vets, clinical support and non-clinical staff.

“It was a very tough day,” added James. “There were strong winds and low cloud, but luckily the rain held off! It took us a little over 12 hours to complete, and it was a great atmosphere despite the challenging conditions. We’re already making plans for next year’s challenge, watch this space!”

In 2022, it cost PDSA over £1million to run its services at Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital where the team saw 8,300 pets and provided over 16,500 consultations.

“It’s PDSA’s mission to keep people and pets together,” added James. “Last year, nationally, we helped over 320,000 families. With more than half of those who rely on our services aged 55 and over, and 37% disabled or living with a serious health condition, their pet often provides vital companionship.”

Amy Wareing-Reid, Fundraising Manager at PDSA, said: “It’s truly amazing to see a team who work so tirelessly on a daily basis to help pets in need, then go above and beyond in their personal lives to continue helping the cause. The team at Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital are a shining example to us all and showcase how successful they are when working together. We’re enormously grateful to them all!”

To donate to the team’s challenge page, visit Team Leeds fundraising for PDSA (justgiving.com)

To find out more about PDSA, or organise your own fundraising challenge, visit pdsa.org.uk