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Vet to cycle across South America for cat charity
“Although I’m a keen cyclist, I’ve never done anything like this before, but I’m really looking forward to it” – David Hodges.
David Hodges will cover more than 1,000 miles in nine days.

A veterinary surgeon is preparing to cycle 1,060 miles across South America to raise money for a local cat charity.

David Hodges, from the independent practice Stellar Vets in Littlehampton, West Sussex, will start his journey on the Pacific coast of Chile in the second week of January.

His route will take him over the Andes mountain range and across the continent to Buenos Aires on the east coast of Argentina in just nine days.

A GoFundMe page has been set up, with the aim of raising £5,000 for Worthing Cat Welfare. The charity cares for abandoned and unwanted cats in the local area, including arranging veterinary care and finding the cats new homes.

Dr Hodges said: “The idea for this ride came about after a conversation with some friends from university who all enjoy a challenge and wanted to raise money for various charities and good causes.

“Although I’m a keen cyclist, I’ve never done anything like this before, but I’m really looking forward to it. I’m currently training hard and covering at least 60 miles every Saturday and Sunday, as well as around 40 miles every evening, in preparation for cycling more than 100 miles each day during the ride.”

Allison Pyett, from Worthing Cat Welfare, said: “When David told us about this latest fundraising challenge, we couldn’t believe it. It’s extraordinary, and especially because every penny makes a difference, so it has the potential to help the cats we care for even more.”

Image © David Hodges

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.