‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’: BSAVA’s Sue Paterson to take on treacherous trek all in the name of charity

25 January 2018

BSAVA Junior Vice President Sue Paterson is embarking on a challenging expedition as she bids to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for PetSavers.

Sue, from Rutland House Referrals in St Helens, Merseyside, will take on Africa’s highest mountain as part of a team of 12 over three weeks and hopes to raise £2,000 for PetSavers, the UK’s leading veterinary charity provider of grants solely dedicated to supporting clinical research into companion animal diseases.

“I’m very excited, but, of course terrified- especially considering 10 people a year die, on average, trying to make it to the top, but we are training hard and will take no unnecessary risks”, said Sue Paterson.

The summit of Kilimanjaro stands more than 19,000ft above sea level but this is just the latest of a host of physical challenges that Sue has put herself through in the name of fundraising over the years.

She added: “I have completed 20 marathons in the past but was told to give up running after two knee operations. I have always been extremely active and I was not ready to give that up after my surgery. Climbing seemed to be the perfect option and Kilimanjaro has been on my bucket list for a very long time.”

Alongside her team of 12, Sue will be carrying the PetSavers toy mascot, Colin the dog, who will pose for photographs at each vital stage of the climb, while Sue will also be documenting the three week journey.

To donate, please visit her JustGiving page.

PetSavers is part of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Through the funding of vital clinical research, PetSavers is dedicated to improving the health of pets by relieving the distress and pain caused by diseases, so that our companion animals can enjoy longer, fuller and healthier lives.