Following the announcement that IVC Evidensia were the exclusive sponsor of the StreetVet calendar for 2024, the leading veterinary group have taken their fundraising to new heights, with a charity climb over the O2 Arena in London.

The aim was to raise as much money as possible for the worthwhile charity, for the purposes of reaching even more pets of people experiencing homelessness than ever before. 

Over £6,000 has already been raised for the event alone, following fundraising campaigns over the last few months. The overall target is £100,000, and this latest challenge brings the team that bit closer to reaching it.

To ensure this latest fundraising challenge was truly a group effort, the team of 18, led by Group CEO Simon Smith, were comprised of clinicians, nurses, graduate vets and members of the leadership team.

Alongside Simon, other members of the team included Russell Trenter (Chief Operating Officer), John Dinsdale (Country Medical Director), Dave Martin (Group Veterinary Welfare Advisor), Laura Playforth (Group Quality Improvement Director), Mandisa Greene (Vets Now Chief Medical Officer) and Sarah Heath (Group Sustainability & ESG Director).

This is the latest fundraising effort as part of the StreetVet charity partnership with IVC Evidensia, which has included the One Million Minutes fitness challenge in September, and the 2024 Calendar launch in October, which is still available via the My Family Vets website.

John Dinsdale, Country Medical Director for IVC Evidensia, commented: “Although it was a freezing cold day, we’re pleased to have completed the challenge and add even more to our StreetVet fundraising total.

“StreetVet is such a vital charity, helping pets and owners facing homelessness. I’m proud that we’re helping them make a difference.”

Maria McCartney, a veterinary graduate who was chosen for the climb out of a pool of volunteers, commented: “As much as the climb was a special experience for me personally, it is even more special that our team have been able to raise valuable funds for StreetVet that will go towards helping even more animals whose owners who have been affected by homelessness."

If you would like to contribute to the fundraising total for the O2 Arena climb, you still donate via the justgiving page here.