STAFF at a Forest veterinary clinic took part in a 12-hour sponsored cycle ride as part of their efforts to raise money for cancer research.

The ‘Sisters of Sundean’ each spent an hour in the saddle at the clinic in High Street, Lydney.

The sponsored ride took place in the reception area of Sundean Vets with staff being cheered on by clients.

The Sisters of Sundean will be one of the teams taking part in the Relay for Life at the Dean Academy in Lydney in June and are busy raising funds.

Practice manager Pau­line Hughes said: “We had a great day.

“We started the relay on Friday morning at 7am and finished at 7pm that evening.  

“Lots of clients came to cheer us on and gave generously.  

“Apart from numb backsides we had a great laugh and we are only too pleased to be part of  Relay for Life this year.”

The cycle ride raised £230 taking the amount for the last month to £1,400.

Their next fund-raiser is a quiz at the Swan Hotel in Lydney on Tuesday, March 15.

The last weekend in June is set to be full of fun with the 12th Forest of Dean Relay For Life event set to take place at Freedom Leisure Lydney, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Relay For Life is an overnight family celebration of cancer survivors, remembering those who have lost their lives to the disease and raises money to support the work of Cancer Research UK.

People can get involved by becoming a team captain and entering a team, joining as a team member or by taking part as a cancer survivor.

Tess Tremlett, Forest of Dean Relay for Life, Committee Chair said: “This is the Forest of Dean Relay for Life’s 12th year and we’re still going strong. 

“The Forest event is recognised as one of the most established and successful in the UK and this is down to the work of the fantastic volunteers and businesses that kindly support us year after year. 

“It’s their help that makes Forest of Dean Relay For Life such a special event. It’s definitely an event that the whole community can get involved in.

“Last year’s event was again a huge success, raising over £52,000 for Cancer Research UK. 

“Within a few months of this year’s launch we’ve had 19 teams enter already, which is amazing, but we would love to see more.

“The committee and our entrants have set a target of raising £75,000 this year and we can only do this with the continued support of the local community.

“We urge everyone to get involved and support this event by joining us on June 25 and 26.”

Julie Drew, Forest of Dean Relay For Life, team recruitment chairwoman added: “Team captains must be aged over 18 but anyone can join your team once you register. 

“Ideally, teams should be made up of eight to 15 people and once your team is signed up you can start fundraising together.

“If you are a cancer survivor, we welcome you to take part as a guest of honour.”

The Forest of Dean Relay for Life event is the only one of its kind in Gloucestershire and attracts teams from the surrounding areas.

If you would like to get involved with Forest of Dean Relay For Life and help fundraise, contact Tess Tremlett on 07833 566632 or email [email protected].