Local vet completes gruelling 100km challenge to raise funds for Vetlife
A veterinary surgeon based at Rutland House Vets’ Warrington branch has completed a demanding 100km fundraising walk across the Peak District to support mental health services for those working in the profession.
Alexa Montgomery undertook the two-day Peak District Ultra Challenge in memory of her close friend and fellow vet John Ellis, who died by suicide in 2022 aged 35. By the end of the event the team effort had reached a final total of £7,000 for Vetlife, the UK charity providing mental health and wellbeing support to vets, nurses and practice teams.
"It was one of the toughest things I've ever done, both physically and emotionally... Every blister, every aching muscle and every difficult moment was worth it because we have raised such an amazing amount of money for a charity that means so much to us."
Montgomery joined forces with Ashley Andrews, the partner of the late John Ellis, and Hampshire-based vet Stephanie Ellis (unrelated to John). The trio walked approximately 50km each day, spending around 14 hours daily on their feet over challenging terrain.
- Participant: Alexa Montgomery — Rutland House Vets, Warrington
- Companions: Ashley Andrews (Northumberland) and Stephanie Ellis (Hampshire)
- Event: Peak District Ultra Challenge — two days, 50km per day
- Total raised: £7,000 for Vetlife
Funds boosted by employer and public donations
Ms Montgomery raised £2,000 through a JustGiving page. Rutland House’s owner, VetPartners, matched and supplemented the fundraising, doubling Montgomery’s individual total and bringing the overall team figure to £7,000. The wider team’s immediate fundraising contribution was £5,288 before the employer top-up.
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Alexa Montgomery (JustGiving) | £2,000 |
| Team total before employer match | £5,288 |
| Final total after VetPartners contribution | £7,000 |
Why the cause matters locally
The fundraiser draws attention to well-documented concerns about mental health in the veterinary profession. Vets in the UK are estimated to face suicide rates of three to four times higher than the general public, a statistic frequently cited within the profession and one underlining the need for targeted support.
Montgomery said that the practical and emotional support Vetlife offered around the time of John’s death had been significant for her and colleagues. She added that speaking openly and raising money was intended to encourage anyone struggling to reach out for help.
"Vetlife does incredible work supporting people across the veterinary profession who are struggling, and we experienced that support ourselves around the time of John’s death," Ms Montgomery said. "We never want another family, friend or colleague to go through that."
Community and professional response
The challenge — and the funds raised — will be welcomed by local colleagues and practices aware of the pressures confronting veterinary teams. Surgical, emergency and farm work, alongside the emotional toll of dealing with sick animals and bereaved owners, are frequently cited contributors to stress within the sector. The fundraising also illustrates how employers and local teams can mobilise after tragedy to provide both practical resources and visible solidarity.
For anyone in the veterinary community needing support, Vetlife remains a central resource; the charity is supported by donations, employer contributions and fundraising like this Peak District challenge. Montgomery and her team said that if sharing their story encourages even one person to seek help, the effort was worthwhile.
The walk and its proceeds serve as a reminder to Warrington residents of the pressures facing local veterinary professionals and the importance of accessible mental health services in keeping those who care for animals well supported and able to continue their work.
