Veterinary team turns to pedal power to raise money for worthy causes
TEAM members from a Peterborough veterinary practice have set themselves a challenge to cycle 140 miles to raise money for two worthy causes.
Colleagues from Nene Veterinary Group, which has surgeries in Peterborough, March and Wisbech, will be cycling from coast-to-coast along Hadrian’s Wall.
They plan to cover the 140 mile (225km) distance in three days over the early May Bank Holiday weekend (2-4 May) and after setting off from Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast will follow the world-famous wall, which was built in AD122 to mark the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire, en route to Tynemouth in the North East.
Vet and clinical director Robert Culen and head nurse Tanya de Mare from Nene Vets' Peterborough will be cycling, along with Giuseppe Palatucci from the March surgery and veterinary nurse Holly Hudson from the Wisbech branch. Joining them are two colleagues from the veterinary industry - surgeon Riccardo Quacquarelli, who visits Nene Vets to carry out orthopaedic procedures on pets, and veterinary surgeon Vladimir Tancar.
Last year, the group took part in the national Three Peaks Challenge and scaled Scafell Pike in the Lake District, Ben Nevis in Scotland and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in Wales to raise £1,023 for Peterborough Sailability and £1,100 for The Centre Orava in Slovakia.
This year through their combined pedal power they want to raise as much as possible for Breast of Friends and The Centre Orava.
Breast of Friends raises money for people affected by breast cancer or receiving chemotherapy at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn. It helps to provide resources and equipment while raising awareness for early detection of breast cancer.
The Centre Orava is in Robert’s home country of Slovakia and provides support to children and adults with autism and their families, and is currently fundraising to create a new sensory room which will use colours, music and tactile sensations to improve communication.
Breast of Friends is a charity which is which is very close to veterinary nurse Holly’s heart as her mum is currently being treated for stage three breast cancer at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Holly said: “Mum is currently undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, soon to be followed by a mastectomy and then radiotherapy, meaning her treatment journey is likely to last around a year.
“Patients like my mum directly benefit from the amazing work that Breast of Friends do. I’ve seen first-hand how incredible the doctors, nurses and support teams are who care for patients going through this journey, and charities like Breast of Friends make a real difference by helping provide vital resources and equipment for the hospital.”
Robert added: “We are all keen cyclists and thought this would be a great way to enjoy some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery in the UK while showing our support for two such brilliant causes that have an incredible impact on many lives. I have supported The Centre Orava since I was a student. It provides daycare facilities, activities and services to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and it’s such an important place to the 160 people who go there and their families.”
The cyclists hope to raise at least £1,900 and donations can be made to the fundraising page:
Nene Veterinary Group is dedicated to delivering the best possible care to pets. The practice is part of VetPartners, a group led by veterinary professionals which owns some of the UK and Europe’s most trusted and respected veterinary practices and associated animal healthcare businesses,