The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, are hoping for divine intervention when a running Reverend hits the road to take part in the Flora London Marathon and raise funds for the animal charity.

The Reverend Penny Hamer, the curate in four country parishes in Gloucestershire, has never run a marathon before, and 13 months away from drawing her pension, believes that the human spirit will help her and fellow runners across the finishing line.

A supporter of The Blue Cross since she was a child, Penny is a passionate lover of animals of all shapes and sizes and currently shares her home with her husband John, daughter Laura, horses, ducks, peacocks, donkeys, geese, rabbits, gerbils, guineas pigs, and a cockerel whose crowing helps wake her for training sessions.

Penny says: “I believe that all animals are created and sustained by God, and therefore as a priest I have a duty to help raise the profile of animal welfare issues. I have been promised some sponsorship from my Bishop and his wife”.

Penny has been overwhelmed by the generosity of her congregation and businesses especially Weatherby’s, Kirtlington Stud and Dalhan Hall Stud in Newmarket but still needs the support of local people and businesses to help her raise over £1,500 for the charity.

Tracey Chittock, Events Officer at The Blue Cross, said: “The London Marathon is a crucial part of our fundraising calendar and it is only through the support of people like Penny, that The Blue Cross is able to continue fulfiling it’s role”.

She continues “Obviously the physical demands of the run means it will not be open to all, but for those who can rise to the challenge, it is a unique opportunity to achieve something extraordinary while raising money for a good cause”.

If you would like to sponsor Penny, or already have a place to run in the Flora London Marathon and would like to join her in raising money for The Blue Cross, please contact Tracey Chittock at The Blue Cross on 10993 825557.