Felsted vet will run London Marathon dressed as a donkey

Equine vet Ben Portus from Felsted is planning to run the London Marathon on Sunday, April 23 in a donkey costume.

Ben who works at Paton and Lee Veterinary Surgery in Witham is raising money for the charity, Brooke – Action For Working Horses And Donkeys which helps horses and their owners around the world using the animals to work their way out of poverty.

So far Ben is cantering ahead and has already reached £2,600 of his £3,000 target.

He said: “Brooke’s work is vital for the welfare of working horses throughout the developing world, and on a recent trip to India I was lucky enough to see their work first-hand at the brick kilns around Agra.

“The practical support, care and education they’re providing for the poorest, hardest-working donkeys, horses and their owners is essential. So I thought what better way to support this fantastic charity than running the London Marathon dressed as a donkey.”

Ben is a long-time supporter of Brooke and gave a presentation at the charity’s Supporter Day in London in February where he told guests about a trip to Egypt he undertook on behalf of the charity. There he witnessed donkeys working and suffering and was inspired to make a difference to their lives.

To support Ben and Brooke go to: www.virginmoneygiving.com/ben_patonandlee