Paul Meiring MRCVS from Companion Care in Chesterfield and Jason Davidson MRCVS from Companion Care in Derby, together with Brendan Tindall from Plettenburg Bay and his riding partner, Robin Beetge from Johannesburg, have completed the 900km joBerg2c Mountain Bike Challenge, raising £6,600 to help combat rhino poaching.

Jason (pictured right with Paul), said: "Let me tell you, that was hard! Nine days and 900km of mountain bike riding, with 250km technical single track and only about 10 km tar, but we did it! We are so proud to be able to contribute to a future for rhinos!"

The veterinary velocipedists were raising money for The Chipembere Foundation, which specialises in sourcing, testing and funding technology for monitoring rhinos. They fund K9 handlers and their tracking and apprehension dogs, as well as funding and providing anti-poaching teams with vital equipment needed to translocate rhinos across Southern Africa. 

It costs about £38000 to translocate a rhino from South Africa to neighbouring Botswana where there is less poaching (for now). Satellite tracking leg collars cost £1500 with an annual service and VHF collars and transmitters costing around £220. Dog and dog handler training is in the region of around £5000 per dog and there are additional costs for kennels, transport vehicles and day to day items like bowls, brushes, leads etc.

If you want to support Jason and Paul in their efforts to make a positive difference to the plight of the fast-dwindling numbers of rhino, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/rhinocycle. 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.