Five Cambs men make �10k on seven-day challenge

HIGH TIME: Five intrepid fundraisers reached the top Ben Nevis during a seven day, 74-mile walk and a 74-mile cycle challenge.

Dave Morgan, 50, Mark Anderson, 41, Paul Hunter, 46, Craig Goldsworthy, 37, and Tom O’Connell, 31, who work with the ground maintenance team at Wood Green Animal Shelters in Godmanchester, raised almost �10,000 for the charity.

The trip began on June 5 at Fort William where the men completed a 13-hour climb up Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. With just a few hours sleep to recover, day two saw them walk 22 miles from Fort William to South Laggan.

The next few days were just as relentless as they walked a further 19 miles to Invermoriston, 14 miles to Drumnadrochit and another 18 miles to Inverness on day five.

The remaining two days were spent cycling the 74 miles back from to Fort William.

The men, who began their rigorous training programme in December, set out to raise �12,000 needed to purchase a biochemistry machine and surgical equipment for neutering animals – crucial pieces of equipment for the new �3.6million surgery at Godmanchester.

Head of veterinary services Vanessa Cunningham said: “The biochemistry machine allows us to run basic blood samples in house rather than have to send then off to an external laboratory which can take 24-48hrs.

“In critical patients or over a weekend when the laboratories are closed this provision is essential. The blood tests check that vital organ systems such as the liver and kidneys are working effectively or if conditions like diabetes are present. Armed with the blood results we can treat the animal in the most appropriate way.”

INFORMATION: You can still sponsor the five men by visiting www.justgiving.com/tomtomoconnell