Fundraising Walks for Ukraine at The Pet Vet & The Vet

Dr Samuel Reitterer-Barbour, Head Vet at The Pet Vet Lincoln, is leading a group-wide charity initiative to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24^th February.

Various members of The Pet Vet and The Vet teams based across 12 nationwide sites will be walking a combined total of 2,500km over the coming weeks – the approximate distance between The Pet Vet Lincoln and the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, with the goal of raising £5,000.

This fundraising initiative was inspired by a Ukrainian refugee who came into The Pet Vet Lincoln, concerned about her dog who she’d rescued several years ago in Ukraine. When Chuck first came to live with her, he had been abused and couldn’t be handled. She spent years helping him, to the point where she was able to gain his trust. When Russia invaded, she was displaced and had to flee the country with her young daughter and Chuck, leaving her husband behind to fight. The trauma of the invasion, vast journey and relocation resulted in a significant setback in Chuck’s recovery.

Dr Samuel Reitterer-Barbour (below) said: “Seeing this mother and her child with their dog in practice and hearing their distressing story reinforced the importance of doing everything possible to assist in the fight for freedom in Europe.”

Raised funds will be split 50/50 between United 24 - the official fundraising platform of Ukraine, and VetLife – a charity dedicated to offering advice and mental health support to clinical and non-clinical veterinary professionals.

Progress will be well documented on The Pet Vet and The Vet’s social media channels as team members embark on their walks. Any support in the way of donations will be gratefully received. Donations can be made here.