Cycling vet raises nearly £5,000 for Vetlife
"I feel utterly privileged to have everybody's support and to have been able to pull off this feat thanks to everybody's help."- Dr Oscar Sinfield.
A veterinary surgeon has raised nearly £5,000 for charity after completing a gruelling two-day cycle journey, which saw him pass 130 veterinary practices.
Oscar Sinfield, who works at Westfield Vets, challenged himself to ride past every veterinary practice and branch in Somerset in a campaign to raise awareness about mental health in the veterinary profession.
Dr Sinfield set out on his challenge on 8 September, passing through hilly terrain and 30 degree heat on his route before reaching the finish line at Taunton Vets at 1am on 10 September.
He was joined by fellow veterinary professionals and colleagues at different parts of the journey. He also received support from the practices he passed, including sponsored jerseys from Langford Vets, a smoothie fundraiser from his own practice and refreshments, including a hose-down, from other practices on route.
The two-day feat saw him encounter several obstacles, including navigating to two veterinary practices which had moved since he planned his route. Dr Sinfield was left to find the practices during the midday heat and without his support team, during which he ran out of water and food and began to overheat.
He was helped when farm veterinary surgeon Kate Parrish, who had travelled down from Warwickshire to participate, located the support team and got him back on track.
Towards the end of their journey, lack of visibility and a bike’s failing front light almost caused Dr Sinfield to abandon the cycle just 30 miles from the goal. Thankfully, two colleagues formed a convoy of cars which helped the cyclists to make it to the finish line.
He was greeted by a cheering crowd, with confetti and glasses of champagne.
Dr Sinfield said: “I would like to thank everyone who supported, sponsored and generally showed enthusiasm and interest for such a worthy cause. I feel utterly privileged to have everybody's support and to have been able to pull off this feat thanks to everybody's help. This challenge surpassed all my expectations so thank you all!”
James Russell, the president of Vetlife, said: “I am exhausted just reading about this fantastic feat of athleticism.
“Oscar has helped to highlight the community of veterinary practices which exists across our country. To see colleagues so visibly and keenly helping each other out is as heartwarming as the ride itself is leg-numbing!”
The Ride SomerVet team is still accepting donations for Vetlife on its JustGiving page.
Shutterstock © Vetlife
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
