WALLASEY fireman Syd Molyneaux, aged 49, will take on the challenge of the London Marathon to help the PDSA's work for sick or injured pets of needy owners.

Syd is an experienced marathon runner - this will be his 19th. He has run in Athens, New York, Boston and Chicago. His average time is 3hrs 30 minutes.

Syd is a great animal lover but doesn't keep a pet of his own because, as a Merseyside fire officer, he has to work shifts. He does, however, help friends by dog-sitting and exercising their dogs and he also helps out a chinchilla sanctuary.

The PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) is Britain's largest veterinary charity and provides about 1.4 million treatments annually for sick and injured pets of needy owners. Its centre at Liverpool is one of its busiest and provided over 42,000 treatments in 1996.

In 1997 the PDSA celebrates its 80th birthday. The money raised by Syd's efforts this April will help the charity to continue its work. Anyone who would like to sponsor Syd, or help in any way, can contact him through the PDSA's Appeals Office, Russell House, 94-96 Chapel Road, Sale. Telephone 0161 905 2957.

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