By Isle of Wight Observer
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary has secured places in the London Marathon for the first time in its history, with five runners set to raise £15,000 to support rescued animals on the Isle of Wight.
The inaugural Team Wildheart will take part in the world-famous 26.2-mile event across the weekend of Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25. The team comprises Simon Mead, Lawrence Bates, Isabelle Wetton, Sammy Steven and Marc Fox.
The marathon places represent a significant milestone for the Sandown-based sanctuary, providing an opportunity to raise both vital funds and awareness for its work rescuing, rehabilitating and providing lifelong care for animals in need.
The team’s £15,000 fundraising target will help cover the costs of specialist animal care, nutrition, veterinary treatment and enrichment programmes for the sanctuary’s rescued residents.
As an independent charity, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary must raise almost £2 million each year to continue its work and meet the needs of the animals in its care.
Each of the runners brings a personal connection to the challenge.
Simon Mead, from Newport, has fond memories of visiting the sanctuary as a child and later introducing it to his own children. He plans to support the fundraising effort through community events and raffles.
Sandown resident Isabelle Wetton is an experienced runner who has completed a range of races, including half marathons and a coastal marathon. Having previously taken part in the sanctuary’s Run Wild 5K event, she said the challenge combines two of her passions – running and animal welfare.
Ryde’s Sammy Steven moved to the Island three years ago and was inspired by the sanctuary’s commitment to rescued animals. She intends to organise fundraising activities including bake sales, raffles and quiz nights in the build-up to race day.
Marc Fox, who heads the sanctuary’s animal department, is responsible for overseeing the care of rescued animals and helping bring them to Wildheart. A regular football player and previous 10K participant, he hopes the marathon will help raise funds to support future rescues while inspiring his three children through the challenge.
Joining them is Wildheart chief executive Lawrence Bates, whose previous endurance challenges include the Three Peaks Challenge, the Welsh 3000s and the Isle of Wight Ultra.
The runners will receive support from experience marathon runner Paul Thorley as they prepare for the event, with training and fundraising efforts already under way.
Together, Team Wildheart hopes not only to reach its fundraising target but also to shine a spotlight on the sanctuary’s work caring for vulnerable animals and giving them a second chance at life.
You can support the team via https://iw.observer/wildheart-marathon.
Mal Butler