We are incredibly proud to announce that Dr Marc Abraham OBE, or ‘Marc the Vet’ as he’s usually known, is joining Rockinghorse as an ambassador.
Marc is a multi-award-winning veterinary surgeon, based at the Mewes Vets in Rottingdean, as well as an author, broadcaster, animal welfare campaigner, and has also just released his first movie documentary called ‘Dogspiracy’.
Marc qualified from Edinburgh University, and years later, after treating some badly bred pups one emergency nightshift in Brighton, decided to campaign against irresponsible and unscrupulous dog breeding and selling practices, such as puppy farming.
He led the successful ‘Lucy’s Law’ campaign in Westminster to ban commercial third-party puppy and kitten dealers, e.g. pet shops; therefore making all UK dog and cat breeders accountable for the first time.
Marc is also the co-founder and secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG), and was responsible for sourcing rescue pup Dylan for 10 Downing Street. He regularly appears giving vet and animal welfare advice in the media, including being a regular on BBC Sussex Radio, and visits local primary schools chatting with pupils about caring for animals, staying safe around dogs, and looking out for one another, as well as protecting children’s mental health.
Marc was also awarded the OBE for Services to Animal Welfare by His Royal Highness King Charles III.
One of the many reasons Marc is joining forces with Rockinghorse is to help us develop a brand new programme of pet therapy at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, working together with fantastic charity Pets As Therapy. Marc is a great advocate for this kind of support, especially for children and young people, and has seen first-hand how interactions with friendly dogs can have a real impact on both a child’s physical and mental health.
Marc said, “Pet therapy in hospitals has been proven to significantly enhance patient experience by providing emotional support, reducing anxiety, and fostering social interactions.
“It also helps alleviate pain and discomfort, boosts morale, encourages physical activity, plus promotes healing through companionship; ultimately contributing to improved psychological wellbeing, increased motivation for recovery, and a much more positive hospital environment.
“All of this is especially important for children, as hospital stays can often be even more traumatic for young people, especially if their treatment is scary or painful.”
Emma Henderson, Supporter Engagement Manager at Rockinghorse, is really pleased that Marc is coming onboard as an ambassador. She said, “Having passionate advocates like Marc really help us to provide the best support possible for the children and young people we help.
“Being able to bring pets into The Alex is a really exciting opportunity, and will make a huge difference to so many children. We all know the calming effect pets can have on both our mental and physical health, and this is even more significant for young people in hospital.
“We’re so grateful to Marc for coming onboard, and we’re excited to get this pioneering pet project up and running.”
Marc added, “I’m really pleased to be able to lend my support to such a great local charity and to a cause so close to my heart.
“Having seen the benefits that animals can bring to so many young people, it’s going to be great to bring this kind of support right into the children’s hospital, and help so many poorly patients.”
We’ll be posting updates about the project on our website so keep an eye out to see what’s happening.
