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Cannock mum climbs Snowdon to help stop trade of dog and cat meat

A Cannock mum has completed a charity trek up Mount Snowdon to help stop the trade of dog and cat meat in Asia.

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Michelle Proffitt

Michelle Proffitt, 35, took on the challenge after learning about efforts in countries such as China and Cambodia to end the trade in dogs and cats for food.

Michelle set herself a fitness challenge, and the cleaner from Cannock recently took on Wales' highest peak to raise £500 for the good cause.

The money will go directly to help dogs rescued from tracks headed for the notorious Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China.

Michelle said: "Ever since I was a small child the horror of the meat trade has always haunted me.

"The gym I go to was organising a trip to Snowdon. I knew straight away this was the perfect opportunity to raise money for this charity that means so very much to me.

"Having three dogs I'm an avid walker but this was something I couldn't prepare for. We climbed the miners and pyg route going up which involved climbing up rocks that had waterfalls running down them making it very slippy under foot."

She added: "We went through the seasons of walking during the journey to the top heat, high winds and cold sharp rain hitting our faces.

"The pain in my body was unbearable but I kept telling myself 'you are doing this for the dogs. Think of their pain. Fight this. Don't give up'!"

When Michelle finally reached the summit of the 1,085 metre mountain she was nearly blown off her feet.

She added: "When we neared the top the wind was something you can't prepare for. It kept knocking me to my feet.

"But still I got up and fought it. Those final moments climbing to the top I don't know where I got the strength from. It was definitely mind over matter.

"When I got to the top I was so emotional. I knew I did it for the dogs for every dog that has lost their life."

Michelle got ready for the challenge by going to the gym, and going out walking with her three beloved dogs Maggie, Rolo and Winnie.

But the trek was also in memory of treasured family pets Sally, Candy, Molly and Peggy who have sadly passed away.

Michelle was supported in her fundraising by son Isaac and husband Stewart, and Stewart has been inspired to take on a challenge of his own to raise money for NoToDogMeat, the UK founded charity which supports local people to run shelters in China and Cambodia.

"I talk about the NoToDogMeat charity to everyone. It is hard to hear the horrors of it but we must keep talking about it."

Julia de Cadenet, CEO of the NoToDogMeat charity, said: "Well done and a huge thank you to Michelle, who did such a wonderful fundraising effort.

"The charity is currently caring for more dogs than ever, including our recent Yulin Dig Meat Festival rescues, so this money will go towards those efforts, and making sure all of our rescue dogs are kept safe and healthy."

To donate to NoToDogMeat go to www.notodogmeat.com

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