Vets4Pets in Launceston recently held an open day to celebrate the company’s second year anniversary.

This was an opportunity for people to go down and have a free informal consultation with the vets, stationed within the Launceston Pets at Home store. The day also included activities, such as face painting and a raffle. It was also a chance to meet local author Marion Gavin, who was also there signing her new book: Born to be free, which is about the lives of her rescue Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Money raised from the book and from the raffle were in aid of Jo Dudek’s London marathon run in April — for the Blue Cross animal charity.

Launceston’s Vets4Pets practise manager, Polly World, said: “The day went really well. We had lots of people turn out for the day as customers visiting the store would come down to see what were doing.

“We raised £250 on the day just through the raffle and from Marion’s book signing.

“It was just a great chance for people to come in and have a less formal consultation with us, and also a chance to raise money for such a good cause.”

Practice owner Jo Dudek aims to raise £700 before her marathon in April. Writing on her JustGiving page, she said: “I am running in the London Marathon for Blue Cross because I want to help pets who aren’t as Lucky as Toto.”

Toto is a dog she performed lifesaving surgery on and then later adopted.

Donations can be made by visiting her Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jo-dudek