Vet student tackles half ironman for international animal charity

Media Release, Tuesday 13 May 2008

A third-year veterinary science student is set to undertake a gruelling 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a half marathon, in an attempt to raise much needed funds for one of India’s largest animal charities.

Matt Pascall, originally from Belgrave, east Melbourne, and currently based in Werribee, will battle against some of the fittest athletes in the country in the ‘Rydges Capricorn Half Ironman’ on Sunday 17 August in Yeppoon, Queensland.

He’ll be raising monies for the Visakha Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VSPCA), whose main aim is to prevent cruelty, and alleviate suffering of animals in India.

Matt, 23, hopes to raise $5,260, which is the exact amount needed to employ a qualified Indian veterinarian to work full-time in the VSPCA clinic for one full year.

The animal-lover and fitness fanatic said: “The monies raised will go a long way towards saving and helping the lives of hundreds of animals. The VSPCA currently provides shelter to over 1050 animals, including cows, cats, dogs, monkeys, horses, parrots and other animals in need. They also run a lot of amazing programs including an animal birth control and sea turtle protection program, an adoption program for stray animals, and cow sanctuaries.

“The animal charity relies heavily on generous donations, and I’m hoping that all my friends, family and the wider community will support me with this worthy cause. I will travel to India in December for a two-week placement with the VSPCA, and it would be great to present them with a cheque so that they can employ a full-time veterinarian.”

The veterinary science student has raised over $800 so far, if you are interested in sponsoring him, donations can be made online at www.blognow.com/ironman4spca, or he can be contacted via email - m.pascall@ugrad.unimelb.edu.au