VETPARTNERS CEO Jo Malone, equine Business Development Director Roger Dixon and equine vet Julia Shrubb are taking on a huge challenge to raise money for Vetlife.
The trio, joined by Jo’s daughter Molly, a student at Lancaster University, are tackling the gruelling Lakeland Trails in Coniston in the Lake District on June 7th.
Roger will take part in the marathon, while Jo, Julia and Molly will be running the half marathon.
They will be raising money for Vetlife, which provides independent, confidential and free help for everyone in the veterinary community, as it is VetPartners’ chosen charity of the year in 2026.
The Lakeland Trails Marathon takes in a complete circuit of Coniston Water, and it will be the second time Roger, who is Equine Business Development Director at VetPartners, has taken part in the event.
Roger, who was previously Clinical Director at Ashbrook 
Equine Hospital in Cheshire, said: “I am looking to improve my fitness after moving out of clinical work, and to raise money for a great cause at the same time. As a regular visitor to the Lakes, this is also the perfect excuse to visit the area to train so I can enjoy unbeatable views and varied terrain.”
Running challenge
Julia, a vet at Three Counties Equine Hospital in Tewkesbury, who chairs the VetPartners Equine Clinical Board, added: “I was looking for a new running challenge when Roger suggested this event in the Lake District. It’s such a stunning part of the UK, and I’m hoping the views will help take my mind off the 2,500 feet of ascent.
“Training is going okay. I feel incredibly lucky that the Malvern Hills are right on my doorstep and are perfect for hill training. My cocker spaniel, Willow, loves to join me on some of my shorter runs.”
Jo, a former vet who established VetPartners, which has veterinary practices and animal healthcare businesses all over the UK and Europe, in 2015, said she is proud to be taking part alongside her daughter, who is currently on a placement year at Lancaster University.
Jo said: “Vetlife is such an important charity which supports members of the profession during difficult periods of their life. It is a charity we have always supported but even more so this year as they are VetPartners’ chosen charity of the year.”
You can donate to their JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/vplakelandrun