Runners taking part in the Flora London marathon who wish to support PDSA should contact PDSA’s Fundraising Department on 01952 290999 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Angela Spatz, is a fearless fitness fanatic. This year she is combining her love of animals and her commitment to enjoyment of exercise to take on the Flora London Marathon challenge in aid of leading veterinary charity PDSA.

Treating sick and injured pets is a vocation that the 31-year-old runner holds close to her heart. Her role as Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Hendon PDSA PetAid hospital means she is on her feet all day. The PetAid hospital treats around 60 pet patients every day, anything from dental operations and castrations to major orthopaedic surgery.

Angela has a varied fitness regime to get herself in tip-top condition. From rock climbing, triathlons and open lake swimming (in the summer!), to running three times a week with her local running club. She even cycles her 14-mile round trip to work every day!

After vowing never to run a marathon again, the lure of raising funds for pets in need of vets proved irresistible! It will be the second time PDSA vet Angela has run the London marathon, and she is determined to beat her previous time of 4 hours and 18 minutes.

Angela’s dog, 11-year-old Chocolate Labrador, Fudge, is never far behind. Although Fudge has arthritis and can’t do as much as he used to when he was a young pup, he still enjoys racing around after Angela! He even tries to join her on her healthy eating plan – Fudge’s favourite treat is fruit; he’s even been known to climb trees and pick it from the branches himself!

“My dog means the world to me so I know firsthand how important people’s pets are to them; they’re part of the family and it can be really upsetting if they are sick or injured,” says Angela. “The great thing about working for veterinary charity PDSA is the feeling that I can give something back to the community and increase understanding of responsible pet care amongst our clients.”

PDSA cares for around 300,000 pet patients. This year, the delivery of PDSA PetAid services will cost the charity in the region of £49 million. Amazingly this is funded entirely by the generosity of the public, mainly through gifts in wills and trading. PDSA recently marked its 90th year of caring for sick and injured animals, operates 47 PetAid hospitals throughout the UK and also works with 350 contracted private veterinary practices to ensure its services reach pet owners in need.

Angela is one of over 200 veterinary surgeons working for PDSA. “I really enjoy the ethos of working for a charity,” continues Angela. “It’s great that I can combine my hobbies with fundraising activities that are going to help PDSA. Recent advances in veterinary science are so exciting, but new equipment and improved procedures come at a price, so it’s vital that PDSA continues to receive financial support from the public.

“Last year my PetAid hospital cost in the region of £690,000 to run. Like all veterinary practices, this figure will continue to rise year-on-year as we get more and more busy. Stepping up my training regime to run 26.2 miles seems a small price to pay!”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Angela and help PDSA continue to treat the sick and injured pets of people in need can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/angelaspatz

Runners taking part in the Flora London marathon who wish to support PDSA should contact PDSA’s Fundraising Department on 01952 290999 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it