FOUR vets who are cycling the length of the country to raise awareness of suicide and mental health rode through the Borders on their ‘home’ leg on Sunday.

The group is taking on the challenge to raise money for two charities and awareness in honour of their colleague Kirsty, who died by suicide.  

The quartet rode the 20 miles between the Galedin Vets surgeries in Kelso and Galashiels on Sunday joined by colleagues, clients and well-wishers.  

Three of the vets work at the Kelso and Galashiels branches and have been joined by Kirsty’s husband Chris who used to work at the practice.

The four cyclists - Maria Mylne, Mary Hall, Callum McRoberts and Chris Burn - are part of the way through a 1,189-mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Maria said: “The cycle is going well, although weather conditions have been challenging at times, especially with flooding on the roads, and the bikes have taken quite a battering.

“The trip has been amazing in reminding us of the kindness of strangers and the conversations we have had along the way have been invaluable.

“Being able to open up conversations about suicide and mental health, together with the amazing feedback we have had from our talks, have made the cycle ride all worthwhile.

“It was lovely to see so many people turn out for the leg between Galedin Vets branches in Kelso and Galashiels.

"There was a fantastic atmosphere and we’re so thankful to those who turned up and those who have donated.”

Their journey started from Land’s End on September 23 and intend to arrive in John O’Groats on October 18.

The vets are raising funds for charities Vetlife and The Canmore Trust, which provide support and a community for those impacted by suicide in the industry.

Vetlife states that vets in the UK are three to four time more likely to die by suicide than the general population.

To donate and keep updated please visit: justgiving.com/team/lejogawareness.

On their journey the group is also visiting UK vet schools to talk about suicide prevention and share Kirsty’s story.

Chris said: “It is brilliant to see that universities are not just giving mental health lip service, but actively looking to change how they teach to suit a modern vet world.

"The focus on broadening participation and horizons within the vet profession is so positive to see.”