BORDERS vets are to cycle more than one thousand miles to raise awareness and money for two mental health charities.

Four vets will take on a 1,189-mile cycle from Land’s End to John O’ Groats in memory of their colleague Kirsty, who took her own life.

Three of the vets – Maria Mylne, Mary Hall and Callum McRoberts – are based in the Kelso and Galashiels branches of Galedin Vets.

They will be joined by Kirsty’s partner, Chris Burn, who used to work at the practice.

Throughout their journey the four vets will be stopping at UK vet schools to speak to students about suicide prevention and share Kirsty’s story.

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

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

They will set off on September 23 from Land’s End and finish in John O’ Groats on October 18.

On Sunday, October 6, the quartet will cycle the 20-mile journey from their Kelso surgery to their Galashiels branch.

Members of the public, clients and colleagues are invited to join.

To donate visit: justgiving.com/team/lejogawareness.

Kirsty’s partner Chris said: “Kirsty was my rock. If you wanted something organised or something fixed, Kirsty was your woman.

“We don't want anybody else to go through the pain we have. We want everybody to know that no matter what your mind may tell you, the world is better with you here, in this world.” 

Callum said: “We want to raise awareness that mental health affects everybody. Checking in with your friends and colleagues can make a big difference.”

Maria added: “We want to share a message of hope that suicide is not inevitable, and just because somebody has experienced suicidal thoughts, does not mean they will feel this way forever.

“Together we can break the cycle of suicide and keep building suicide safer communities in practice.”