The Pet Brands team took part in a half marathon run from their offices in Birstall on Saturday, April 17, to raise funds for creative director Carl Farraker.

The fund-raising event was prompted by Carl’s recent diagnosis of cancer with metastasis, meaning that he is now receiving palliative chemotherapy to help relieve his symptoms.

Bridgette Sturgeon, group head, national key accounts, started and finished the run from the Pet Brands offices in Birstall, accompanied by several members of the Pet Brands team who have been training on Fridays to prepare for the event.

Many company staff and their families came together to join in the run for anything from a few steps to a few miles, taking all relevant COVID precautions. Vital Pet Group directors, Sunny and Ravi Sharma also made an appearance dressed up as Toy Story characters, in costumes chosen by Carl’s children,.

Carl, who started his career with the group as an apprentice 16 years ago is being supported by the business during this difficult time, including a personal donation from the Pet Brands board of directors of £20,000 and his colleagues also felt they wanted to make a personal contribution. As well as the run, they organised a raffle and bake sale.

Donations are being collected HERE. To date more than £9,000 has been raised.