A WELLS vet will be attempting to cycle past every vet practice in Somerset over two days in September to raise money for a mental health support charity for the veterinary profession.
Oscar Sinfield is embarking on his epic cycle ride in aid of Vetlife on Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9, a journey of approximately 400 miles that will take in 130 practices.
He will be cycling past the practice that he works at in Wells, Westfield Vets on Westfield Road, at 7.25am on September 9, followed by Axe Valley Vets at 7.30am and Wells Vets at 7.35am.
He would welcome people joining him for parts of the route, which will start at Evolution Farm Vets at 6am on September 8, and is due to finish at Langford Vets at 6.55pm on September 9.
Oscar – who also works at Summer Lane Veterinary Centre in Worle – hopes the event will help to raise money for Vetlife and inspire others to enjoy the mental health benefits of getting out in the countryside.
He said: “My goals for the event are to raise awareness about mental health within the veterinary profession and demonstrate how being in the countryside can boost wellbeing. Along the way, I’m keen to fundraise as much as possible for Vetlife.
“Vetlife has done so much for the veterinary profession with regards to making mental health support more accessible. Having that knowledge that they are there personally provides a lot of comfort in what can sometimes be quite a lonely and isolating profession.”
Vetlife is experiencing unprecedented demand for its three support services, with the charity’s expenditure likely to exceed £1 million for the first time in 2023.
Fellow cyclist and Vetlife trustee Danny Chambers said: “I know how painful it is to cycle up Cheddar Gorge in North Somerset, so I am in awe that Oscar is cycling a 400-mile route around that terrain to visit every vet practice in Somerset in two days.
“I’m sure in his brief visits to each practice he’ll get a warm welcome and some sustenance to help him along to his next pit stop. Thank you to Oscar for his enthusiasm and support.”
For more information on how to get involved with the cycle, visit the Ride SomerVet Facebook group. Donations to the fundraiser can be made via the Ride SomerVet JustGiving page.