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Duo to embark on 50km hike for Vetlife
“This 50km challenge is a way for me to contribute further and support the incredible work Vetlife does" – Kay Watson-Bray.
The pair aim to raise £2,500 with their trek across Dartmoor.

Two women from the veterinary community are set to tackle a 50km hike to raise money for Vetlife.

Kay Watson-Bray, CEO of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association, and Michelle Gratton, donor relations manager at Vetlife, will be crossing the open moorland and river valleys of Dartmoor as they aim to raise £2,500 for the charity.

The landscape will present a number of challenges, from steep granite tors to soggy peat bogs, and the duo will also have to contend with Dartmoor’s unpredictable weather.

Explaining her motivation, Ms Watson-Bray said: “After participating in Active October last year for Vetlife, I felt inspired to do more. This 50km challenge is a way for me to contribute further and support the incredible work Vetlife does. I also want to raise awareness that Vetlife is there to support all the veterinary team.”

Vetlife provides mental health and financial support to the veterinary community. The Vetlife Helpline offers confidential support by phone or email 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service can be called on 0303 040 2551 and emailed anonymously via the Vetlife website.

Ms Gratton said: “The Vetlife Helpline is busier than ever, handling an average of 11 contacts per day from people seeking support.

“I’m taking on this challenge to help ensure that Vetlife can continue providing vital assistance through its three key services: Helpline, Health Support, and Financial Support."

Donations can be made on the pair’s JustGiving page.

Image © Vetlife

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.