TWO long-distance cyclists have raised thousands of pounds in memory of a Hampshire vet who took her own life.

Anna Jennings, 40, and Gemma Ives, 29, were close friends of Rita Mesquita, who worked at Seadown Veterinary Services in Frost Lane, Hythe.

The two women devised Ride For Rita, a gruelling 1,000-mile journey from Land's End to John O'Groats.

They set out to net £5,000 for the charity Vetlife, which provides vital support for members of the veterinary profession, but have so far raised almost £8,000.

The trip took two weeks, with Anna and Gemma achieving 70-80 miles a day in all weathers.

Anna, an ophthalmic vet and a director of Seadown, said: "We did the ride with 15 other people, a few of whom were raising money for different charities.

"We gradually adapted to being in the saddle for most of the day, fuelled by brew stops and camaraderie.

"We were generally lucky with the weather but there were some very windy days, which is pretty tough on a bike, and it was fairly cold in Scotland.

"On the final day we gathered a few miles before John O'Groats so we could arrive at the finish together - slightly shocked by becoming 'End-to-Enders'.

"We have been amazed by people's generosity and how much money we have raised. I also feel a sense of personal achievement."

Gemma, a technical advisor for a company which makes natural supplements for family pets, said she often felt stressed in the early stages of her veterinary career but was now "back to the old me".

She added: "Vetlife provides an invaluable service to the veterinary community.

"I rang Vetlife several times when I was struggling. Each time they provided a supportive and listening ear. Our conversations left me feeling calmer and more settled."

The two women describe Rita Mesquita as a gifted and respected colleague.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the 33-year-old vet was found dead at her home in Dibden Purlieu in July last year.

An inquest into her death was presided over by assistant coroner Sam Marsh, who ruled that Rita took her own life after fighting a long battle with mental illness.

In a statement Seadown said: “Rita was a very talented veterinary surgeon who was loved by her colleagues and clients."

A Vetlife spokesman said veterinary surgeons in the UK were three to four times more likely than the general population to take their own life.