Join us as a BCDH volunteer on Sunday 15th October and give race day support to our runners!
Andrea and Margaret started volunteering with us just over seven years ago and like many of our dedicated volunteers, they now have multiple roles at Bath Cats & Dogs Home including the socialisation of nervous cats and dogs, to name a few.
One of their roles has been as event volunteers as part of Team BCDH’s support team at the Bath Half Marathon for several years. This year Andrea and Margaret will once again be supporting at the race on Sunday 15th October to support our runners raising funds for rescue animals in the care of Bath Cats & Dogs Home.
L to R: Margaret and Andrea with Piglet the Chihuahua.
Their journey with the Bath Half began in 2017 when they first stepped into the Information tent to offer their assistance. In 2019, Andrea took on the challenge of running the Bath Half for a local hospice; completing the race achieved a personal goal.
At the end of the race, Andrea was met with heartwarming support from two representatives of Bath Cats & Dogs Home, fellow volunteer, Margaret and staff member, Sue. Their support and encouragement were much appreciated after a very tough run!
In 2020, amid the challenges posed prior to the pandemic and adverse weather conditions, Andrea chose to contribute to the Bath Half in a different way. Along with Margaret she again volunteered on behalf of Bath Cats & Dogs Home, working in the de-chipping area. Despite the wet weather and looming uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, they and their fellow volunteers soldiered on, earning the gratitude of both runners and the event organisers for their dedication.
In 2022, Andrea and Margaret returned to the Bath Half as volunteers, this time assisting in the well-organised Baggage Tent. Their involvement allowed them to connect with fellow Bath Cats & Dogs Home volunteers who support the organisation during weekends, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.
Throughout her journey with the Bath Half, Andrea has not only felt valued and appreciated but has also witnessed the significance of the many volunteer roles that make the event a success. The sociable aspect of volunteering has been a pleasant bonus too, providing the opportunity to meet new people each year and reconnect with friends.
Speaking of volunteering for Bath Cats & Dogs Home, Andrea said: ‘The rewards of volunteering at the Home are many, including the delight in seeing the animals make progress towards rehoming whilst feeling appreciated by staff. For anyone interested in volunteering, it’s a great way to give to a wonderful local charity, particularly if they’ve enjoyed the company of animals as pets, or possibly adopted from Bath Cats & Dogs Home as I have. Get in touch, start small, get to know the different teams across the charity as there are so many ways that volunteers can help out.’
If you’d like to volunteer at the Bath Half Marathon on 15 October and support our TeamBCDH runners please apply by Sunday 1st October. Email Hayley Crymble our Volunteer Engagement Manager hayleycrymble@bcdh.org.uk or complete the online application form.
>> Click here to fill in the application form
>> Click here for more information on our volunteer roles