The Blue Cross lends a paw for The Royal Parks Half Marathon

17/03/2008

Britain's pet charity, The Blue Cross, is delighted to announce that it will be one of the principle charities involved in the first Half Marathon through central London on Sunday 12 October this year. The charity is encouraging animal lovers across the country to sign up for a Blue Cross running place to help needy pets.

There are 500 Blue Cross running places available to those who sign up to help raise sponsorship for the charity. The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding, so it relies entirely on donations and money raised through fundraising events like this to continue its vital work. Senior events officer, Tracey Chittock said: "We're really excited to be a part of this race. The sponsorship raised from this event will go a long way to help the animals in our care, so we'd like to encourage anyone thinking about taking part to sign up for a Blue Cross place. The money raised from running just one mile will fund the vaccinations a kitten needs to protect it from life-threatening diseases*."

Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon will be a fantastic event for runners and spectators alike, encompassing the surrounding beauty of St James's Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens as well as iconic London landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. 

Once signed up as part of The Blue Cross team, runners will be provided with a pack crammed with top tips on training and preparation for the big day, plenty of fundraising ideas, a running vest and an invitation to an exclusive post race reception, where runners can enjoy a soothing massage and celebrate with the rest of the team.

The Blue Cross will also provide its runners with plenty of advice for those who want to train with their dogs in the lead up to the race, whether they own a restless Retriever, an athletic Airedale, or a speedy Spaniel!

To find out more and to sign up for a place on The Blue Cross team please contact Heather Collin on 01993 825567 or please visit www.bluecross.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information please visit www.bluecross.org.uk

The Royal Parks Foundation is the charity for London's eight Royal Parks.  For further information please visit: www.royalparksfoundation.org.uk  

The minimum sponsorship fee for a Blue Cross place in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon is £550.  A £50 registration fee will also be required once a Blue Cross place has been confirmed.

*1 mile= £25, which will fund the vaccinations kittens need to protect them from life-threatening diseases.

Media contact
Ziela Haider on 020 7932 4063 / 07860 519716 or ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk