A local runner taking on her fourth London Marathon is calling on the community to get behind a Halloween fundraiser in Goodworth Clatford, with businesses from across Hampshire donating prizes in support of PDSA.
Tracey Dawber will run the London Marathon in 2027 to raise money for the veterinary charity, with The Clatford Arms hosting its Halloween Party and annual fun charity prize raffle on Saturday 31st October. Andover-based pet-care company Petpals is the main sponsor of the event, with the raffle being drawn at 7:45pm before 80s tribute band Weird Science takes to the stage from 8:30pm.
There will be plenty up for grabs on the night, thanks to prizes donated by businesses and attractions including Le Creuset, Thruxton Race Circuit, Hattingley Valley Wines, Riverside Bowl, Mottisfont, Andover Leisure Centre, Finkley Down Farm, New Forest Wildlife Park and Queensland Bakery, among many others, with the total prize value exceeding £1,200.
The event will provide a welcome boost to Tracey’s fundraising as she builds towards the famous 26.2-mile challenge. PDSA provides free and low-cost veterinary services to pets whose owners may otherwise struggle to afford their care – a cause that feels particularly fitting after Tracey has spent two decades working in the pet-care sector.
“Taking on the London Marathon again is a huge challenge, but knowing I’ll be doing it for PDSA makes every training mile worthwhile,” said Tracey. “Pets are such an important part of the family, and the work PDSA does to help people access veterinary care when they’re struggling is something that really means a lot to me.
“The support so far has been wonderful. We’ve had some brilliant prizes donated, and Petpals has really got behind the event, so I’d love to see lots of familiar faces – and plenty of new ones – at The Clatford Arms on Halloween. It should be a really fun night, and every raffle ticket will help make a difference.”
Tracey joined Petpals in 2006 and today works as its Franchise Support Manager, supporting teams across the UK. This year marks her 20th anniversary with the company, while Petpals, the UK’s longest-established pet-care franchise, is celebrating 25 years in business.
With both milestones falling in the same year, the team is aiming to raise £2,000 for PDSA through fundraising activities over the coming months, with Petpals contributing £500 directly to the cause. The company is also marking its anniversary by continuing to support causes closer to home, including The Three Bees Project, where it will fund several new fences to help create much-needed animal enclosures.
“Petpals has been a huge part of my life for the last 20 years, so it feels particularly special to be marking these milestones by doing something that can make a difference,” added Tracey. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated, supported us or plans to come along – now I just need to get those training miles in!”
Can’t make it to the Halloween fundraiser but still want to support Tracey? Donations can be made via her official London Marathon fundraising page: https://2027tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/tracey-dawber For more information about Petpals, visit www.petpals.com