The Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon is proud to shine a spotlight on charities making a real difference across Northern Ireland, and this month we’re highlighting Assisi Animal Sanctuary
Founded in 1997, Assisi Animal Sanctuary is Northern Ireland’s largest independent animal welfare charity. Based in Conlig, County Down, the Sanctuary operates a strict no-kill policy and rescues more than 700 companion animals each year. At any given time, Assisi is home to around 200 animals, all receiving shelter, food, veterinary care, safety, companionship, and ultimately, a second chance in a loving forever home.
Animal welfare is at the heart of everything the team does. Every animal in Assisi’s care is vaccinated, neutered, treated for parasites, and microchipped (where applicable), regardless of age, condition, or background. Many arrive having never known safety or kindness, and Assisi is committed to providing them with an excellent quality of life for as long as they need it, before carefully matching them with a new home for life.
Grace Williams, Fundraising Manager for Assisi Animal Sanctuary, said:
“We recently had the pleasure of welcoming some of the Belfast Marathon team to the Sanctuary to learn more about our incredible service. We are so grateful to the runners who have already chosen to support Assisi Animal Sanctuary through their Phoenix Energy Belfast Marathon challenges. Their generosity directly helps us provide shelter, care, food, veterinary treatment, safety, and companionship, and ultimately find loving new homes, for the animals who come through our doors.”
Assisi’s work goes beyond rehoming alone. The charity provides a full rescue and sanctuary service, offering protection, treatment and accommodation for animals in need, alongside advice and support to the public on responsible animal care. They also promote animal welfare education, helping to improve knowledge and standards of care across the community.
As the charity does not receive any government funding, Assisi relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and the wider community to continue its vital work. Together, the charity needs to raise over £3,287 per day, that's £1.2 million each year, to sustain services and ensure animals in their care receive the support they need. Donations directly contribute to daily operations including food and bedding, heating and maintenance, vaccinations, microchipping, and the veterinary care that many rescue animals urgently require when they arrive.
When runners choose to fundraise for Assisi through the Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon, they help ensure animals can be given the time they need to recover, rebuild trust, and find the right home, while also strengthening animal welfare across Northern Ireland through rescue support and advice.
To learn more about Assisi Animal Sanctuary, visit www.assisi-ni.org.
To register your interest to run for Assisi at the Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon and Team Relay 2026, please visit the Belfast City Marathon website charity tab.
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