Climbing for a Cause: Rebecca’s mission to support Hemangiosarcoma research

A Decade of Giving Back

Rebecca’s commitment isn’t new. For over ten years, she and her family have dedicated themselves to helping local shelters, hand making blankets and gift bags for dogs and cats in need.

“We tend to make about 300–400 a year and then deliver them on Christmas,” she explains.

Her dedication has taken her across the world, volunteering in animal sanctuaries in Thailand and China, and pushing her limits through charity runs and even a skydive. “Charity is a big, big part of my life,” she says simply.

Turning Loss into Purpose

But it was the loss of two beloved family dogs, Amber and Saffy, that transformed Rebecca’s passion into something even more powerful.

“They were literally like our whole world,” she says of her family’s Labradors. “Losing both dogs within months completely rocked our whole world.”

Amber passed away unexpectedly from Hemangiosarcoma; a cancer Rebecca had never encountered before. In the wake of that loss, her family began searching for ways to make a difference, leading them to support pioneering veterinary research.

“We decided we were going to put all of our efforts into fundraising,” she says.

Saffy's passing brought further urgency. What seemed like an untreatable condition, a ruptured stomach ulcer, was later revealed to be an area of active research at the University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

“That is actually something they are looking into, looking at different techniques to identify a septic peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity) that occurs after an ulcer perforates ", Rebecca explains.

Now, her fundraising honours both Amber and Saffy, supporting multiple strands of life-saving research.

Taking on the Ultimate Challenge

Rebecca’s determination is perhaps best captured in her latest challenge, climbing Pen y Fan, one of Wales’ highest peaks, an incredible ten times in just 24 hours.

“The stats are crazy,” she says. “Ten times of doing it is the exact equivalent of Everest.”

The physical and mental demands are immense, but Rebecca has been training relentlessly, long hikes with pet dog Oscar, uphill sessions in the gym, and preparing for the gruelling night-time conditions.

“It’s going to take a lot,” she admits. “But I feel prepared.”

Her goal is to raise £10,000. Already nearing £5,000, she’s pushing forward with unwavering focus, driven by the memory of Amber and Saffy, and the hope of helping other animals. “ The plan is once £10,000 is raised for Amber (Hemangiosarcoma research) we will go again for £10,000 for Saffy (Pyometra research).

Seeing the Impact First hand

A recent visit to the University of Edinburgh’s Easter Bush campus, home of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, brought Rebecca even closer to the cause she is raising funds for.

“It’s one thing, having blind faith that the money is going somewhere important,” she says. “But when you’re actually there and seeing first-hand the work, it becomes more tangible.”

Meeting clinicians and witnessing cutting-edge research in action strengthened her resolve.

“It just gave me even more fire to continue fundraising.”

A Voice for the Voiceless

At the heart of Rebecca’s story is a simple but powerful belief: animals deserve our care and protection.

“Animals don’t have that voice,” she says. “They expect absolutely nothing and give everything in return.”

Her message to supporters is inclusive and heartfelt, every contribution matters.

“Even if it was a pound, a penny, every single thing helps.”

And for those who can’t give financially, she emphasises the power of awareness, “Even if someone was to share my page, share my story, the impact is going to happen naturally.”

Join Rebecca’s Journey

Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and action. Through the memory of Amber and Saffy, she has found purpose and through extraordinary effort, she is helping to shape a better future for animal health.

As she prepares to take on her Everest-equivalent climb, one thing is clear: this is more than a challenge. It’s a tribute, a mission, and a call to action.

Support Rebecca, share her story, and be part of a movement giving animals the care, and the voice they deserve.

Donate to Rebecca’s JustGiving Page here: Rebecca Rees is fundraising for The University of Edinburgh