STAFF of Mauchline’s MBM Veterinary Group joined colleagues from two other branches to raise more than £4,000 for charity, writes Frank Cassidy.

They embarked on a series of gruelling physical exertions on two wheels, by foot, on water and taking to the hills in the Lake District.

It was all in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind, an organisation that provides freedom, mobility and independence to people who are blind and partially sighted.

Mauchline’s group joined their counterparts from MBM in Kilmarnock and Beith to form a team of 12 twelve vets and vet nurses who headed to Cumbria to take part in a sponsored outdoor challenge.

Starting with a 12km (7.5 miles) forest cycle, they followed up with a hike to the peak of 2634ft Old Man Coniston before finishing off with a one-mile kayak along Coniston Water.

While they were on their travels their original target of £4,000 was smashed, providing extra incentive to push themselves to the limit.

On their return to work two days after their exploits, some were nursing sore legs but the team had happy smiles on their faces, including vet Judy Morris. She said: “We’re privileged to work with a number of guide dogs and guide dog puppies, so we were very keen to support the charity. Everyone in the practice has contributed to the success of the campaign, it truly has been a great team effort.”

Everyone at MBM would like to thank all the individuals and local businesses who have contributed to the success of their guide dog campaign so far.

Visit mbmvetgroup.co.uk/news to make a donation or read about some local heroes among the dog population who are helping their human partners.

Fiona Froude of the charity said: “Every hour, another person in the UK goes blind. When someone loses their sight, Guide Dogs is there to make sure they don’t lose their freedom as well.

“As our guide dog service receives no government funding, every penny raised will make a life-changing difference to people who are blind or partially sighted.”