Aldwick vet has a way with the animals

AN ALDWICK vet has won a top national award.

Looking after all creatures great and small has seen Richard Edwards named as the Chris Laurence vet of the year.

He was honoured at the Ceva Awards for Animal Welfare during the world’s leading veterinary congress in Birmingham. His prize is a trip to next year’s congress in New Zealand.

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His award reflects his passion for wildlife. He was nominated by Jaine Wild, of West Sussex Wildlife Protection.

She said: “We are thrilled Richard has won this award. He is deserving of it and all local wildlife rescues are appreciative of his work and the enthusiasm he has encouraged at the AlphaPet veterinary practice.”

Mr Edwards said: “I’m honoured and humbled.

“This is a great way to publicise the fact these animals have nobody to help them.

“It does not cost much except for time and you get a real kick out of seeing animals that were brought in injured getting back to their usual lives.”

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He has treated badgers, bats, foxes, deer, whales, dolphins and seals for free.

Mr Edwards, 52, of Slindon, qualified as a vet in 1989 and became the founding partner in AlphaPet Veterinary Clinic in West Meads in 1993.

It has grown to nine vets, each seeing 30-35 animals a day, and two branches at Birdham and Lavant.

“I wanted to be a vet since I was 11 even though I failed my A-levels and was told I would never qualify. But I never get tired of looking after animals.”

Ginette Bryant, at Ceva Animal Health UK, said: “Richard is a truly inspirational unsung hero who deserves to be honoured for his achievements and dedication.”

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