Jo is training hard for a demanding 58.4km ultra marathon in the Lake District on September 26th.
The 5 Valleys Ultra in Ambleside, with ascents of 2,303 metres, is one of the most brutal ultra marathons with technical terrain, steep climbs and jaw-dropping descents.
Jo is hoping to raise as much money as possible, with funds being split evenly between Vetlife and Macmillan Cancer Support, both of which mean so much to her.
Unknown to her colleagues across the UK and Europe, she has supported her mum Jenny through cancer not once, but twice. On both occasions, her mum was cared for by Macmillan nurses, giving Jo first-hand experience of the incredible work they do.
Jo said: “Having seen so many loved ones, and colleagues within the business affected by cancer, I wanted to do something tangible to help raise funds for MacMillan.”
Alongside her business leadership, Jo is a passionate advocate for wellbeing within the veterinary profession and knows how invaluable the support provided by Vetlife can be to members of the veterinary community.
Jo founded VetPartners in 2015 with three veterinary practices and has since grown the business into one of Europe’s leading veterinary groups, spanning practices and animal healthcare businesses across the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.
She is balancing her work commitments with training for the ultra-marathon by running at 5am.
“For someone who wasn’t particularly sporty at school, taking on this challenge on the other side of 50 has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she said.
“That said, I’ve been surprised by just how much I’m enjoying the training and seeing the progress that comes with it. It certainly gives me plenty of thinking time.
“I’m hoping we can raise a significant amount of money for two fantastic causes. Vetlife provides invaluable support to the veterinary profession and, as a business, we have seen first-hand the devastating impact of suicide. It’s vital that organisations like Vetlife can continue to offer their essential services to those who need them most.”
The challenge will come months after running a half marathon at the Lakeland Trails in Coniston in early June in aid of Vetlife with two colleagues. Jo completed the course in a time of 2 hrs and 2 mins, finishing 21st out of 196 runners, and also took the honour of being the fastest veteran woman over 50. Together, they raised £3,750 for Vetlife.
Vetlife Donations Relations Manager Michelle Gratton said: “We are incredibly inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm shown by VetPartners colleagues in supporting Vetlife this year. As demand for Vetlife’s services continues to grow, every donation makes a meaningful difference. We are grateful for the support of VetPartners and its colleagues, whose fundraising efforts help us continue providing vital support to members of the veterinary community when they need it most.”
You can donate to Jo’s latest challenge here: https://gvwhl.com/MHERZ
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