# TV vet urges marathon effort for PDSA - Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/12/17/tv-vet-urges-marathon-effort-pdsa/ - Published: 2008-12-17T15:38:37+00:00 - Author: Howard Lake ![](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/files/images/newswire/Steve_leonard_1229528443. jpg) TV presenter and vet, Steve Leonard, is urging runners training for the London Marathon to consider harnessing their energy to help raise funds for leading veterinary charity PDSA. Although his busy work schedule prevents Steve from doing the run himself, as a long-term supporter of PDSA the popular TV personality says: “I can’t think of a better motivation to keep on running than helping PDSA continue its marathon effort of looking after pets in need.” Sponsorship money raised by marathon runners will help PDSA provide free veterinary treatment to the sick and injured pets of people in need. Over 1.8 million treatments will be carried out this year, at a cost of £48 million. PDSA relies on the generosity and goodwill of the public to fund its PetAid services. ## Advertisement PDSA Fundraising Manager Brenda Alexander says: “Taking on 26.2 miles on April 26, 2009, is a big challenge, but a very worthwhile one if you decide to support a charity. Whether you can raise £100 or £1000 for PDSA, we’ll be there every step of the way to support your fundraising efforts. “Previous runners found that running for charity really spurred them on and kept them motivated. If you love animals and want to find out more about supporting PDSA in your marathon mission, please contact me at ma******@******rg.uk or by calling 01952 290999.” For more information about PDSA, please visit www.pdsa.org.uk Ends **Notes to Editors:** Leading veterinary charity, PDSA provides free veterinary care for the sick and injured pets of those unable to afford veterinary fees and promotes responsible pet ownership. The charity operates a UK-wide network of 47 PetAid hospitals and branches and also works through some 351 contracted private practices (PetAid practices). This year PDSA PetAid hospitals and branches will provide more than 1.8 million free treatments and more than 200,000 preventive treatments, such as vaccinations, neutering and microchipping. In addition, more than 36,000 pets are registered for PDSA-funded veterinary care through PetAid practices. In 2008 delivery of PDSA PetAid services will cost more than £48 million. The charity is funded entirely by public support; mainly donations, gifts in wills and trading. To be eligible for PDSA care, a pet owner must be in receipt of either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit and live within the designated postcode catchment area of their local PDSA PetAid service. Potential and existing clients can obtain more information on PDSA PetAid services by phoning 0800 731 2502. PDSA operates 179 charity shops UK-wide and is supported by 4,800 volunteers. The charity asks that it is referred to by its initials, PDSA, in all editorial rather than by its legal name The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. PDSA and PetAid are registered trademarks of PDSA. For further information, interviews and photography please contact Lisa Nickless or Jenny Davies in the PDSA Press Office on 01952 204775 or email ni***********@****** rg.uk or da**********@******rg.uk * **[Marathon runner appeals for support with GPS image](https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/01/14/marathon-runner-appeals-support-gps-image/)**( 14 January 2009) * **[Virgin Money Giving chooses Talend for data integration](https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/04/08/virgin-money-giving-chooses-talend-data-integration/)**( 8 April 2009) * **[London Marathon donations via JustGiving reach £22.4 million](https://fundraising.co.uk/2009/04/28/london-marathon-donations-justgiving-reach-224-million/)**( 28 April 2009)