A couple from Whitchurch will be taking part in an endurance charity challenge, later this month; Sue Hughes and Chris Lloyd will cycle the length of the UK, from John O’ Groats to Lands End, to raise funds for the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies (SWHP).

Sue has been connected with the SWHP, which is based in St Maughans near Monmouth, for around 20 years. She has always had horses, and it was her son’s suggestion that she got involved with the society, which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes horses and ponies which have been found in a dreadful condition through neglect or cruelty. Although Sue no longer works in the yard, she is actively involved in fundraising for the society.

Chris is very well-known in Ross-on-Wye, as he owned and worked at Archenfield Vets from 1988 until he retired, in March 2014. Chris still works part-time as a locum vet within a 20 to 30 mile radius.

Sue told the Gazette that since she and Chris got together, she has asked him to help fundraise for the SWHP. The couple attend various agricultural shows, talking to visitors, telling them about the society and the work they do.

In the worst cases that the SWHP receive, rehabilitation of the animals can take many months and cost hundreds of pounds in veterinary attention, special feed and treatment. For others, recovery can be spectacularly quick once their problem has been diagnosed.

Neither Chris nor Sue are especially avid cyclists. Sue commented that she bought her bike four years ago, when she completed the Racecourse to Racecourse bike ride in aid of the SWHP. Although Chris didn’t take part in that challenge, he helped Sue with the training and moral support.

The pair have had to try to fit in training for the challenge around their busy lifestyles. “Keeping fit is the most important thing,” Chris told the Ross Gazette, “We’re both active people.”

He added that they begin their challenge on August 28th, and they are giving themselves between 14 and 16 days to complete the ride; they aim to cycle 60 miles each day.

Sue commented: “With a lot of endurance things, it’s as much about the strength of the mind as the strength of the body. If the mind says you can do it, then you do it.”

She added that one of the reasons they chose to begin at John ‘O Groats was because for the majority of the cycle, they will be cycling towards home, which she said would help psychologically.

They will have help along the route; a friend, Alan Elkins, another supporter of the SWHP, will be driving a back-up car, so he will be on-hand to help if he is needed. Both Sue and Chris are very grateful to Alan for his time and support.

To sponsor Chris and Sue in their challenge, text SWHP + the amount (£10 is the maximum) to 70070.

To find out more about SWHP, please visit www.swhp.co.uk.