Paragon veterinary nurses are skipping into the new year to raise money for neglected and abandoned animals.

Nurses Karen McDonald, Eve Dennison and Vev McGeoch have joined forces to accept the 100 skips a day challenge in January to raise vital funds for a cause close to their hearts, the Oak Tree Animals’ Charity at Wetheral.

“We are skipping together to keep each other motivated,” said Karen. “It can take us anything from two to five minutes depending on how energised we are feeling that day.”

The nurses are joined by fund-raising officer at Oak Tree, Vicky Jennings, who is determined to conquer the challenge, in spite of suffering from Lyme Disease after an infected tick bite.

Vicky used to be fit and active, but the disease has left her struggling with a range of symptoms including fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath.

“It’s harder than I thought,” said Vicky, “but nothing is going to stop me – and I am already feeling so much better.”

Fundraising and Communications Manager at Oak Tree, Lorna de Mello, is hugely grateful for the support and urges anyone who might want to give the challenge a go to follow the link on the charity’s website. You can also find out more on Paragon’s Facebook page.

“We’re so excited that the vet nurses at Paragon Vets are taking on the Let’s Skip January Challenge and can’t wait to see how they get on,” she said. 

More than 4,000 animals found a safe refuge at Oak Tree Farm last year – with each of those rescued animals given a health check on arrival by the dedicated staff at Paragon who have a clinic on-site.

The clinic has recently extended its hours and is now open five days a week with more appointments available to customers in the local area.

Oak Tree provides a safe place for cats, dogs and horses in their time of need and works around the clock to find loving new homes for the animals in their care.