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Vets to cycle length of Britain in memory of colleague
The four cyclists will set off on 23 September.
The four vets will fundraise for charity and talk to students.

Four veterinary surgeons are getting ready to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in memory of their colleague Kirsty, who died by suicide.

Maria Mylne, Mary Hall, and Callum McRoberts of Galedin Vets, and Kirsty’s partner Chris Burn, who used to work at the practice, will start their journey on 23 September.

As they head along the 1,189-mile route, they plan to stop at UK veterinary schools to share Kirsty’s story with students and talk about suicide prevention. They will also be raising money for Vetlife and the Canmore Trust.

Vetlife provides mental health and financial support in the UK to anyone in the veterinary community. Its free helpline provides confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Canmore Trust was set up by the parents of veterinary surgeon Cameron Gibson, who took his own life in 2019. The charity provides suicide prevention support to individuals in need of help as well as providing help to people impacted by suicide.

The four fundraisers will also visit branches of Clyde Vets in Lanark and Stirling, where Cameron Gibson worked as a farm vet, and Strathspey Vets in the Scottish Highlands, where Dr Burn and Kirsty first met when working there. They aim to reach John O’Groats on 18 October.

Dr Burn said: “Kirsty was my rock. If you wanted something organised or something fixed, Kirsty was your woman. We don't want anybody else to go through the pain we have. We want everybody to know that no matter what your mind may tell you, the world is better with you here, in this world.”

Dr Hall added: “We are all keen cyclists but it is still pretty daunting. We will be staying with friend and family or people connected with the veterinary profession en route so we can save money and try to raise as many funds as possible.”

Their JustGiving page can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

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 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

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Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.