They will walk 500 miles – and then they will walk 500 more.
And in the process, the staff at Dunmuir Veterinary Group are hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for a cause close to their hearts.
In April, practice partner Stephen Jones died suddenly after 30 years of dedicated work for the community.
In his honour, the team at the Castle Douglas vets are aiming to collectively walk and run 1,000 miles this month to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
The practice’s Terry-Ann Cinderby said: “We decided back in January we wanted to raise some money for a charity and we thought originally about doing it for an animal-related one. Then we lost Stephen and it was heart-related.
“We thought it would be a lovely idea to choose the British Heart Foundation.
“We realised everybody has lost someone or knew someone with a heart problem or has lost someone because of one so it’s a charity that is close to everyone in some way.
“Throughout the month of June, we’re going to collectively walk 1,000 miles and also hold a raffle and a bake sale at the end of the month.
“We wanted to get the community involved as Stephen was very involved with the community.
“The idea of the raffle was all the local businesses could donate gifts and we’ve been overwhelmed with how generous everyone has been.
“Times have been hard over Covid but this has been a good way for people to branch out with their businesses. Everyone has had a mention on the noticeboard and on Facebook.”
Business from Castle Douglas, and from as far afield as Thornhill and Dumfries, have all donated to the raffle, with tickets available to buy from the practice.
The practice’s nine permanent staff are taking on the challenge – with the current weather making things tough.
Terry-Ann added: “We’ve made it very hard for ourselves choosing June because it’s so hot.
“It’s a nice challenge, we originally thought 500 miles but we thought we’d push on and do 1,000.”
To sponsor the team or make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/page/dunmuir-veterinary-group-1685094548019
