A real honour…

On Thursday 23 September 2021 we sat down at our screens for another RCVS virtual Honours & Awards Evening - an annual celebration of achievement within the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions.

Despite not being able to enjoy the event in person, the evening was beautifully put together, and was particularly special for us this year, as Tony was inducted as an Honorary Associate of the College, an award reserved for non-members of the college who have gone above and beyond in the veterinary sphere.

…and while Tony won’t put himself in the spotlight, we are so proud that his work has been recognised, and it couldn’t be any more deserved.

You can watch Tony’s feature below:

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons recognised the incredible work of the AVM Foundation, which to date has distributed over £10m to charities working with the veterinary profession to improve animal welfare around the world and has enabled significant international collaborations with charities in China, Morocco, Afghanistan and, India.

The RCVS also commended the foundation’s recent support in funding mobile veterinary clinics for SPANA in Mali with veterinary teams providing free treatment to animals in remote and rural areas.

In addition, there was a special mention for Anthony’s efforts during the pandemic, as when fundraising events were cancelled across the UK, support from the foundation proved invaluable.

Finally, it was Tony’s personal interest in every charity he partners with and the use of his skills and experience in business to support charities working alongside the veterinary profession and “his dedication over many years has resulted in positive change through education legislation and cultural beliefs”.

In his acceptance speech Tony thanked the college, and pledged to continue to stand up for voiceless animals all around the world.

“It is deeply appreciated and will last with me forever.” 

“The Royal College is well respected around the world for the standards it has created in the animal world, and for society, and for developing new treatments to benefit the animal community.” 

“The foundation has funded many projects to improve animal welfare, a great deal has been achieved, and we will continue these efforts into the future.”

Cheers to that, Tony - we couldn’t have put it any better ourselves, and our excited for what the next 20 years has in store for the AVM Foundation.

If you would like to watch the award ceremony in full you can do so here.

Tony’s feature and acceptance speech starts at 0.35m.