After a decade of "unforgettable" memories with her beloved cat Misty, a keen Hampshire runner has covered a remarkable 230km – a total distance equivalent to five and a half marathons – in celebration of her late pet's life.

Laura Wren, from Bishop's Waltham, said she found it hard to be at home with nothing to focus on when Misty died in 2020.

But when she saw that she could honour Misty’s legacy on Pet Remembrance Day through Battersea’s Pet Tribute Funds, she began exploring her options for fundraising.

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Laura decided to take part in several running challenges to celebrate Misty while fundraising for the dogs and cats at animal welfare charity, Battersea, in her memory.

Hampshire Chronicle: Misty taking a catnap

Laura ran 100km in a single week during lockdown in 2020, which marked the start of her fundraising journey. Since then, she has taken part in a number of running challenges, including the 45km South Coast Ultra Challenge and Virtual London Marathon in 2021, and running 50km for Battersea’s ‘Run a mile a day in May’ challenge. To date, she has raised over £750 for the dogs and cats at Battersea who are waiting to bring joy to a new home.

Misty’s third owner, Laura described her on their first meeting as “perfect”. After spending 10 years with Laura and her family, Misty was diagnosed with heart disease and died in May 2020. Laura said Misty is fondly remembered for her many quirks, including giving her owners a gentle nudge or head butt if you stopped fussing over her, and going crossed eyed at the sight or smell of chicken.

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Pet Remembrance Day takes place every year on July 5, and offers animal lovers the chance to remember their late pets.

Laura said: “I wanted to research events that I could link into Pet Remembrance Day and raise money for Battersea to give their dogs and cats the chance of finding their forever homes and have the love and support that we gave to Misty for the ten years we had her in our lives, ten years of precious moments and memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

“The support I received from Battersea from the moment I told them my plans was incredible. It felt like Battersea was with me every step of the way and remained with me on my journey to this day. I will be forever grateful for the support Battersea has given me, and I want to thank them for being there in one of the most challenging and difficult times of my life.”

Tessa Bailey, legacy and in memory fundraising manager at Battersea, said: “Laura has been an incredible supporter of our work as an animal welfare charity. The funds she has raised from the incredible challenges she completed in Misty’s memory will allow us to support even more dogs and cats everywhere. Without the fundraising efforts of our generous supporters like Laura, we couldn’t do what we do here at Battersea.”

To donate to Laura's fundraiser, visit: pettributefund.battersea.org.uk/in-memory/misty-s-page

 

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