Vets on Bikes raise money for RABI
25/07/06

Vets have used peddle power to raise more than £20,000 for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Riders from XLVets, a group of 30 farm animal veterinary practices across the country, have been riding between practices from all corners of England, as well as Wales and Scotland.

In the past a number of the practices aimed to undertake a sponsored event at least annually, raising money for ‘small animal’ charities. This relay is the first time that they have all linked up and supported a different charitable sector.

Alnwick vet John Macfarlane, the XLVets’ director who was responsible for organising the ride nationally, said: “As we are very much farm-based practices, we decided it was time to look at supporting a farming charity, and RABI was the obvious choice. We understand only too well the financial pressures facing farmers and those who are servicing farms.”

The vets completed a marathon sponsored cycle relay at the Royal Show before handing over the cheque for £20,000 to RABI president Lord Plumb.

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution is the national charity for those involved in farming in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Established by farmers in 1860, it assists all those in need in the farming community.

While the main focus of RABI’s work has always been the retired and disabled it also provides assistance to working farming families facing severe financial hardship as a result of death, disease or disaster.  During 2005, RABI assisted 1,583 individuals and families paying out grants totalling £1.588 million.

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