We made it.

Five Chief Veterinary Officers, a Send a Cow Ambassador and Cow on top of Donard.

An elegant and appropriately turned out Group.

A huge thanks to all who supported us both practically and financially, especially Sherpa Keith and crew.

Send a Cow is a International Development charity with a difference. They’ve been working with some of Africa’s poorest families for nearly 30 years, helping over 1.3 million people work their way out of extreme poverty. They provide livestock, tools, seeds and training as part of a programme giving people the hope and means to establish a future for themselves, their families and their wider communities. They are currently delivering our programmes in seven African countries: Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.

I will be joined on my attempt on the summit of Slieve Donard by the other three UK CVOs Nigel Gibbens, Christianne Glossop and Sheila Voas.  I hope I might also manage to entice Martin Blake, CVO south of the border to join us.

An inflatable cow will also make the journey.  She has no name as I hope to also raise some money through a 'name this cow' competition  - in line with Send a Cows effort to name other cows.

If anyone knows anyone who would pay to have their company name stuck to the cow I will also take money for that.

see more, hopefully progress, on Facebook

Chief Veterinary Officers climb a mountain carrying an inflatable cow