CVS Director of Product and Buying Sara Armitage has raised almost £2,000 for charities by completing her first half marathon, the Great Eastern Run, which took place on 12 October on a 13.1 mile course around the city of Peterborough. She raised £1,600 for the Retired Greyhound Trust - CVS' chosen charity for 2014. She also raised £350 for the British Heart Foundation.

Sara Armitage, who began her career as a vet nurse, took up running in 2013 and, after completing a 5 km race, decided to try a half marathon. Commenting she said: "I found taking part challenging - particularly the last mile as I hadn't run any further than 12.1 miles before the race itself. I felt elated at the finish though. My time was two hours and 21 minutes which is pretty respectable for a first attempt - and it was a really well organised event with a great atmosphere.

"I want to continue with my running to keep myself fit so I'm now eyeing up the Milton Keynes half marathon in March 2015. I'd like to thank everyone who sponsored me and helped me raise such a lot of money for these two worthy charities. My just giving page is still open at https://www.justgiving.com/sara-armitage12 if anyone else would like to donate."


CVS UK Ltd is the largest and fastest-growing mixed practice corporate veterinary group in the UK. Founded in 1999 and run, principally by vets, it employs more than 3,000 staff at its practices and surgeries across the UK and in its related veterinary businesses, including an online pharmacy, three pet crematoriums and five veterinary laboratories.

Key to its success is CVS' ability to attract ambitious veterinary staff and to invest in their clinical skills, knowledge and in research to drive the profession forward. It also provides the business support to ensure its diverse range of small animal, large animal and equine practices achieve their full potential. CVS' guiding principles include a commitment to excellence in all aspects of its work and a focus on building long-term relationships with its customers and suppliers. The company works in close partnership with the wider veterinary profession and industry colleagues.