Like many things it seemed a good idea at the time. The night before BCVA '22, the four of us were gathered in the bar, catching up, when Keith told us what he'd been thinking. He'd decided he wanted to get a mention in the Vet Record. As we approached 50, he'd realised that it was unlikely we’d feature in any cutting-edge research paper. Keith didn't want to wait for an obituary, and being mentioned in the reports of the disciplinary committee was reserved as a Plan B. So, by process of elimination, he'd decided we should do a good thing.

So, Vetlife 4x4 was born. We are Northern Irish, English living in Wales, English living in Scotland and Scottish living on the English Border. The four of us will travel together, climbing the four highest peaks of the home nations.

Slieve Donard, Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.

We agreed that as much as we admire the folk who dash around the mainland three peaks in 24 hours, we wanted to go a bit easier. So we could enjoy the process and particularly get satisfaction and reflection from being in the mountains.

The date was set for May 2023, and accommodation was booked. Then we all got a message from Keith. During some work at home, he'd stuck out an arm to catch a toppling gate and casually popped his biceps off the bone. Surgery, rest and rehab were going to be his challenges for the year. Our plan screeched to a halt, but the engine kept ticking over.

So, at BCVA '23, we had a catch-up, and agreed we were still keen. A year later than planned, we'd do it in May '24.

The odds of all four of us being physically able at the same time are still quite slim, and we can't predict how we'll hold up during the week. As middle-aged cattle vets, our bodies have seen a bit of wear and tear. But we all feel strongly that Vetlife, and what it offers for all the profession, is a cause worth our effort. We'll enjoy some of it, but a lot of it will hurt. So, if you want to support us, to support Vetlife, please donate whatever you're able to to our Justgiving page.

Thanks,

Keith, Sam, Iain and Mark