Pictured - Michaela Strachan with her dog Rio.

Rescue Run takes place from 1 – 31 May 2021.

Wildlife TV presenter Michaela Strachan is urging pet lovers to take part in the Blue Cross Rescue Run – a virtual challenge in which entrants aim to run 26.2 miles over the month of May.

All funds raised as part of the event will go towards helping Blue Cross continue to care for sick, injured and homeless pets. According to the charity, last year it cost £909 on average to care for and rehome a dog, and £567 for a cat. Blue Cross recieves no government funding and so relies on voluntary donations and fundraising events to continue operating.

As the event is virtual, it can be completed anywhere and at a pace that each individual can set. Progress can be logged on each entrant's fundraising page and once the distance is completed they'll receive a medal to mark their efforts.

Participants of any age are welcome to take part. They can form teams – as long as social distancing guidelines are observed – and can even complete the challenge with their dogs.

In a press release about the event, Michaela Strachan said: “It’s National Pet Month and I’m urging animal lovers to take part in the Blue Cross ‘Rescue Run’ to help the charity care for pets in need.

“Every penny raised will go towards helping the thousands of homeless, abandoned, sick and injured pets the charity takes in each year and each participant receives a special medal when they have completed their virtual marathon.”

The Blue Cross Rescue Run runs from 1 May to 31 May. Information on how to sign up can be found at www.bluecross.org.uk/rescuerun

Image (c) Blue Cross.