Charity event for Vetlife

Members of our wonderful team recently took part in a cold, muddy and energetic evening to raise money for a charity that is very close to our hearts, Vetlife.

The Veterinary profession sadly has a higher than average incidence of suicide. Vetlife exists so veterinary staff can talk to someone who understands the challenges of the veterinary profession. Vetlife relies on donations to keep going and our staff were keen to do a charitable event and the staff who attended did wonderfully well. Dr Thompson receiving “man of the match” for his rugby skills!

Our wonderful Veterinary Surgeon, Jill Crawford, was the Orchard House Vets mastermind behind this fundraiser and she had this to say:

“The charity Vetlife proposed to designate October as ‘Veterinary Month of Movement’ and I thought it would be really good to get involved, to support the charity and also to demonstrate how exercise can really help to boost well being. I love my job, but it can be stressful, and exercise can be a very good stress buster. Due to Covid and poor weather we ended up doing our Bootcamp session in November, by which time we were under floodlights, but everyone who took part enjoyed it. There was a varied range of athletic ability (!) but a lot of laughter as we played a range of games and challenges from Annie Lees, our instructor and founder of Bootcamp Tynedale, who generously donated the session.

Working in veterinary practice is not all about cuddling puppies and kittens, and it can take its toll on the well being of staff. Sadly the veterinary profession has a higher than average incidence of suicide, and every penny raised in support of the charity means there is support for people who need it in difficult times.”

We have raised a total of £270, so thank you to all who donated to our cause. We please ask you to check out vetlife and the amazing work they do, and if you are able, to please donate directly to vetlife, or to our fundraiser.

Thank you!