The fundraisers completed the Yorkshire Three Peak challenge for PDSA.

A team of seven veterinary professionals has so far raised more than £1,600 for PDSA after completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.

The fundraisers, who work at Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital, scaled the hills of Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleboroug in the Pennines. Despite strong winds and low cloud, the team hiked 24.5 miles (40km) in just over 12 hours.

James Funnell, pet hospital leader at Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital, was joined on the trek by veterinary surgeons, clinical support staff and non-clinical staff. A colleague from Bradford PSDA also took part.

Mr Funnell said: “We’re over the moon to have raised a fantastic £1,636 and counting for PDSA. As a team, we witness first-hand the vital lifeline that PDSA is to so many local pets and their families, which is why we all feel so passionately about fundraising.   

“I did the Yorkshire Three Peaks route 40 years ago when I was 22 and knew it would be a good challenge for the team. Our colleague Katharine from Bradford PDSA Pet Hospital has also done the hike before - 16 times - so joined us, too.”

Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital saw 8,3000 pets and provided more than 16,500 consultations in 2022. Nationally, the charity helped more than 320,000 families. The majority of people using its services are aged 55 and over, and 37 per cent are disabled or living with a serious health condition.

Amy Wareing-Reid, fundraising manager at PDSA, added: “It’s truly amazing to see a team who work so tirelessly on a daily basis to help pets in need, then go above and beyond in their personal lives to continue helping the cause.

“The team at Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital are a shining example to us all and showcase how successful they are when working together. We’re enormously grateful to them all!”

Donations can still be made on the team's JustGiving page.

Image (C) PDSA