Hamilton vet workers to raise money for orphaned orangutans and sun bears

Jan 12 2012 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A HAMILTON vet and a colleague are set to get on their bikes to coin it in for orphaned orangutans and sun bears.
Mum-of-three Julie Innes and veterinary nurse Joanna Boyle will cycle 56 miles from Edinburgh to Glasgow in orangutan and bear costumes to raise much-needed cash on Sunday, February 5.
The charity cycle is to raise money for Sepilok Rehabilitation centre in Malaysia, home to orphaned orangutans and sun bears.
Both women work at Julie Innes vets in Hamilton’s Cadzow Street and are taking up the challenge despite both not having previously ridden a bike since their teenage years.

Joanna (23) spent eight weeks working in Sepilok where the centre strives to protect the remaining wild populations of orangutans and sun bears through conservation and education.
The centre also rehabilitates the animals to that they can go back into the wild.
Julie is originally from Hamilton and opened her veterinary surgery in the town last May.
The 39-year-old has two daughters, Evie and Lily, pupils at St Mary’s Primary School in Hamilton and son Tom who is at nursery.
Joanna, of Muirend, Glasgow, said: “Hopefully through our challenge we will help a little with both funds for medical supplies and food and also raise awareness of these amazing creatures.”
When Joanna returned home, she felt compelled to help these animals and came up with the fun charity cycle idea to raise money for the centre.
Joanna added: “We are very grateful for the excellent response we have received from friends and clients at the surgery.”

Donations can be made through http://www.justgiving.com/ or by popping into the surgery in Cadzow Street.