Raising funds to beat Rabies

Eleven scientists from AHVLA’s Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Bourne Disease Research group completed a challenging 20 mile trek on 14 September, in aid of World Rabies Day.

Despite the availability of both vaccines and post exposure treatments for rabies the virus continues to cause over 60,000 human deaths each year. Over 40% of deaths are in children under the age of 15 across Africa and Asia. Awareness of the disease is key to preventing deaths in areas where the virus is endemic. Simple actions can save lives in the fight against rabies and raising funds is a great way to help beat the disease.

With this in mind the team from Weybridge, decided to walk a challenging route through the Surrey Hills to raise funds to support the activities of the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC).

Ashley Banyard, from the Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Bourne Disease Research group, said: “The walk started in Guildford, rising steeply out of the town centre before heading across the Pewley downs. Our route then dropped down into the valley before ascending to the top of St. Martha’s hill with views across the Albury downs and Chilworth. We then headed north to Newland’s Corner for a quick bite to eat before trekking across the North Downs way. Then we descended down into Shere and on footpaths through the open countryside to Holmbury Hill. From the viewpoint at the top of Holmbury Hill, we descended steeply into the valley before ascending again up to the top of Leith Hill. Finally we followed footpaths from Leith Hill through to Westcott and following a brief jaunt to the top of Ranmore descended into Dorking to complete the 20 miles. In all, the walk took in over 800 meters of climb and was certainly a tough hike.”

This is a photo of the team at Leith Hill, just past the halfway point (from left to right: Front-  Guanghui Wu, Jenni Evans, Dan Hobson, Hubert Buczkowski, Nikki MacLaren, Tom Ellis; Back- Ashley Banyard, Harry Johnson, Nicholas Johnson)                 

If you would like to sponsor the team and help them reach their £500 target, visit their Just Giving page.

Donating through Just Giving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Just Giving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Many thanks for your anticipated help and support.