News and Events
See what we've been doing - past and present. You can also view our financial
history and Annual Accounts on the Charity Commission website.
Our Events
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Saturday 26 May 2012, 1.30 - 4.00pm Garden
Party
The return of their Annual Garden Party to raise funds for local churches and charities (this year all proceeds go to the RSPCA). A half-acre site with plenty of room for children to run around and play in. There will be
So if anyone fancies exploring the villages north of Wigan, we're about 13 miles from Standish, just off the Preston to Southport A59. Come along and enjoy the day. All welcome. |
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Our NewsApril 29th, 2012: Ian runs his first marathon - 26 mile 385 yards in around 4 hours 30 minsAfter a 10 year absence, the Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford brought the ultimate running challenge back to Manchester. On the 29th April 2012, thousands of runners took to the streets to achieve their personal dream. The 26 mile 385 yard course takes in some key landmarks and beautiful countryside around the borough of Trafford. One of the thousands of runners taking part was Ian, our veteran runner and supporter who, besides tackling his first marathon, was using his effort to raise money for the care of local animals through sponsorship and a sweepstake for people to guess his time. |
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Ian's report: "The day commenced at 4.30am and will be one which I will not forget in a hurry. In conditions which have been described as the worst in living memory, The start, at Longford Park, Stretford, was already a sea of mud before the race had even commenced! The rain was absolutely lashing down, backed up with a freezing north-easterly gale. I opted to run with a vest, my RSPCA top, a waterproof top which I pinned my race number on, plus my usual gloves. In the line up, right next to me, were 4 huge-looking men ready to pull along something which resembled Noah's Ark, each holding a huge tow-rope (quite apt considering the weather, I thought). "Finally, we set off into the elements; there were ankle deep puddles, plus a whole load of mud, not to mention a short distance which was cobbled. Past the half-way mark, the wind and rain (which had been behind us) was right in our faces. My teeth were aching and my eyes were streaming. But it was only in the last 2 miles that I started to struggle - I just had to dig in and hold it together. Having not stopped once, I wasn't going to stop now. The support over the 26 miles and 385 yards was absolutely unbelievable, especially around Sale and Brooklands. What it would have been like if the weather had been kinder, goodness knows. At the finish, we were cheered in with people at both sides wanting to touch our hands. The elation over the last 200 metres and at the finish was something I will not forget in a hurry. I was absolutely soaked to the skin, frozen to the bone, muddied up to the eyebrows. I had vowed that no matter whatever the elements threw at me, I was not coming back home without the medal and teeshirt. Believe me, the elements threw plenty at all 8,000 of us. It reminded me of the old clips of Rugby League matches where, after about 10 minutes of a match, all you could see were the whites of the players eyes! "Going back to my actual finishing time, I found that my
time had been recorded at 10K, 10 miles, Half Marathon, 20 miles,
but nothing at all at the finish. It looks as if the machine broke
down around this point and was repaired shortly afterwards. All of
which is infuriating, being as I ran a sweepstake for people to guess
my time. At present, it looks as if I will have to refund the money,
thus denying the RSPCA some much needed funding. I have e-mailed the
organisers and am currently awaiting a reply. |
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April 2012: Easter Draw WinnersThe list of winners and winning raffle ticket numbers can be found here.
December 11th, 2011: Pet Xmas PartyAll the guests (both 2 and 4 legged) had a wonderful time at our first Pets Xmas Party held at the PAWS Centre. It was organised by staff from Gilmore Veterinary Surgery - a brilliant idea from the energetic Natalie. So far, the party has raised £1140 which is a huge bonus to our animal welfare aid over the winter months. Our very grateful thanks to all who baked cakes (including Jane from 'Coco Cakes') and to all who helped on the day - special thanks to Rose and Ian (and Bobby the dog) for running the tombola and to Miriam Oglander for generously donating sooo many prizes! There are lots of pictures on our Facebook page here and here - but some of the day's prizewinners are shown below.
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September 2011: Ian beats his own time on the Great North Run
Ian Marshall, a long-time supporter of the RSPCA Wigan, Leigh and District Branch, runs the Great North Run every year to raise funds for us. This year, Ian came in at position 14,126 out of 54,000, running the half marathon (13.1 miles) in 2 hours, 2 mins and 31 secs. - 17 mins better than last year which was 10 mins better than the year before!
Ian says "I never stopped once, took all the hills in my stride and almost sprinted in at the end. I could have gone on and on. At about 7 miles, the heavens opened and we were like drowned rats. The road was like a motorway, spray everywhere. The support was amazing again, all the way to South Shields".
Ian's dog, Bobby, has been ill recently with a malignant melanoma in his mouth. It has been removed and Bobby is under long-term treatment to try to make sure the cancer doesn't spread. Happily, Bobby was waiting for Ian at the marathon finish and was there to wear Ian's medal again.
Ian raised £200 to support the work of the Branch.
12th October 2010: The first PAWS educational event
Our first educational event in our new PAWS Centre was held on Tuesday, 12th October 2010. The photos show members of St Michael's Church Tuesday night Brownies having a great time doing exercises supervised by our volunteer, Sue Jackson, who is a teacher and former RSPCA North Education Officer.
Their Group Leader, Alison Eccles, said: "The girls certainly enjoyed their visit and learned a lot of things about animal welfare. They also loved meeting the canine patient 'demonstrators' - 'Peggy' and 'Tia' during their tour of the marvellous clinic and operating theatre - a real bonus for needy pet owners, and animals throughout the Wigan area. In fact, we grown-ups enjoyed the trip so much we are looking forward to attending more of Sue's sessions. Our Brownies have nominated the RSPCA Wigan Leigh & District Branch as their charity of the year and we look forward to raising money in lots of different ways. We have already collected goods for the Branch to sell in its charity shop and we will continue to do this regularly as a way of funding the important work carried out at the Clinic."
Sue Jackson added: "I am delighted to be volunteering for the Wigan & Leigh Branch. I firmly believe that the 'Prevention' we aim to achieve is based in Education. There is so much ignorance & misunderstanding in the welfare of animals that to meet young people who are keen to learn how to meet animals' needs is truly wonderful. Our evenings will not be limited to the young, though! We hope to meet groups from across the borough and every age range to keep passing on the the 'Prevention' message!"