A vet nurse from Sutton is taking on a major challenge by trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in a fundraising bid for charity.

Rachael Lofts, who has previously suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome, wants to raise £1,000 for StreetVet by going on the seven-day journey in late July.

The Kilimanjaro Trek, in Tanzania, east Africa, is a gruelling and intense journey which sees people climb to its summit, named Uhuru Peak, at 5,895m.

Rachel, who says she regained her health 18 months ago at age 30, says becoming a registered veterinary nurse is her “greatest and proudest achievement”.

But the desire to raise money for charity StreetVet is mainly inspired by her working for them as a volunteer.

“I truly love my job and the profession as a whole, and volunteering for StreetVet has only enhanced this,” she said.

“Witnessing the bond between the homeless people of London and their animals has been a humbling and moving experience.

“Being a small part of this wonderful team of volunteer vets and nurses, who bring comfort and peace of mind to those less fortunate, is such a privilege.”

Rachel is self-funding her Mount Kilimanjaro challenge, so all the money donated to her cause will go directly to StreetVet.

So far she has raised just over £370 of the £1,000 required, according to her fundraising page.

StreetVet was started in 2016 and inspired by the “incredible bond” between a homeless man, Gary, and his dog Lola.

Their vets and nurses, working with Street Kitchen and other organisations, helped to care for more than 200 dogs during its first 18 months.

To find out more about Rachel’s fundraiser,

click here

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