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  • Blog
  • January 20 2025

Running for Raystede - Runner Spotlight

One of the runners joining #TeamRaystede at the Brighton Half Marathon in March will be Pippa Watson. Pippa is an Animal Care Assistant here at Raystede, and has chosen to run for the charity in this year’s event.

For over 70 years, we have been aiming to help animals through rehoming, rehabilitation and sanctuary, as well as giving people the support and knowledge they need to treat animals with care and respect. Raystede cares for up to 400 animals every day, including cats, horses, dogs, rabbits, hens and exotic birds.

Many of the animals have been neglected, abused or exploited. Raystede helps most of the animals find new homes but also provides life-long sanctuary for some animals that cannot be rehomed. Raystede provides love and safety to those animals that would have nowhere else to go.

Commenting on her marathon motivation, Pippa says: “Over the past year I have started running and I’m part of the Peacehaven Running Club. I’ve already taken part in a number of runs but I felt like I needed a challenge to keep me motivated and what better way than to sign up for the Brighton Half Marathon!

“I decided to raise money for Raystede as I work within the CFS (Chelonia, Fowl & Smalls) team, so it is a cause that is very close to my heart.

“My section cares for a wide variety of small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, chickens, ducks, tortoises and terrapins, that are often forgotten, misunderstood or overlooked and so I hope to raise awareness about the joy their little personalities can bring to your life and help raise money for their ongoing care and rehabilitation whilst at Raystede.”

Commenting on her marathon motivation, Pippa says: “Over the past year I have started running and I’m part of the Peacehaven Running Club. I’ve already taken part in a number of runs but I felt like I needed a challenge to keep me motivated and what better way than to sign up for the Brighton Half Marathon!

“I decided to raise money for Raystede as I work within the CFS (Chelonia, Fowl & Smalls) team, so it is a cause that is very close to my heart.

“My section cares for a wide variety of small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, chickens, ducks, tortoises and terrapins, that are often forgotten, misunderstood or overlooked and so I hope to raise awareness about the joy their little personalities can bring to your life and help raise money for their ongoing care and rehabilitation whilst at Raystede.”

Raystede relies on sponsorship and voluntary donations to continue its work rescuing, rehoming and rehabilitating the animals in its care. Animals like Tilde the terrapin.

Tilde, is a red eared slider terrapin, and is one of our oldest residents at over 50 years old. Unfortunately, she developed a respiratory infection last year that required treatment and keeping warm. She spent her winter in our dedicated terrapin intake and isolation unit, where she has made a remarkable recovery.

All money raised from supporters choosing to run for Raystede will go directly back into supporting vital animal welfare work and helping vulnerable animals for years to come.


The Brighton Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 2 March and the deadline to sign up is Saturday 8 Febrauary. Find out more about joining #TeamRaystede:

Join #TeamRaystede!