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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.