The money raised will go to support mental health charity Vetlife.

Veterinary surgeon Oscar Sinfield is planning to cycle past every veterinary practice in Somerset over the course of two days this September, in order to raise funds for the charity Vetlife.

The route, just under 400 miles long, will take him past 121 practices and branches, starting on 8 September.

As well as raising valuable funds for Vetlife, which provides mental health support to the UK veterinary community, Dr Sinfield is hoping to get people thinking about mental wellbeing and what they can do to improve their own.

Dr Sinfield 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 saw its expenditure rise above £1 million for the first time in 2023 as it experienced increased demand for its services, including the Vetlife Helpline which is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential mental health support.

Vetlife trustee Danny Chambers added: “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.”

Donations can be made online.

Image (C) Vetlife