A rider is to take on a huge challenge to thank those who helped her father in the last days of his life.
Georgie Veale, 22, from Eyke will be taking on the gargantuan ride along the coast of East Anglia for charity next month in memory of her late father.
Jonnie Veale died 10 years ago from cancer while being treated by St Elizabeth Hospice.
Now, Miss Veale and her 19-year-old former show horse Plum will take on the 200-mile ride from Eyke to Holkham, in Norfolk, to give back to the charity.
The pair will complete 20 miles a day and hope to reach Norfolk by September 11.
Miss Veale, who works as a graduate surveyor in London, said: “I wanted to do a memorable fundraising event to raise as much money as possible for St Elizabeth Hospice, ten years on since they took incredible care of my father during his final days.
“Without them, my father wouldn’t have been in a relaxed environment surrounded by friends and family, which we are extremely grateful for.”
The chosen route has been meticulously planned as to avoid bridges, gates and other rural obstacles which would prove challenging to a horse.
Along the way Miss Veale and Plum will be stopping overnight at various stables to recuperate, which have been kindly offered by supporters en route.
Inspiration for the challenge came not only from her father but a previous challenge carried out by Miss Veale’s grandmother.
“My father was always supportive of my riding, while my grandmother Angela Veale took part in a sponsored ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 1948,” said Miss Veale.
“I am really excited to get started and to witness the east coast’s gorgeous scenery as we ride on the beach, swim in the sea with the horses and just appreciate how lucky we are to live here.”
Celia Joseph, area fundraising development manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful for this tremendous support and want to say a big thank you and good luck to Georgie and Plum as they take on their challenge and we encourage everyone to get behind them and support them with their fundraising.”
To donate towards Georgie Veale’s challenge visit JustGiving.
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