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 Published: 14 Jun 2024 | Last Updated: 18 Jun 2024 12:43:17

In celebration of the 20^th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day and 20 years since the ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥’s (RVC) Blood Donor Programme was launched, two pet owners have been crowned with ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ for their significant contributions over the past two decades.

The RVC’s charity - the Animal Care Trust - presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to one dog donor owner and one cat donor owner. The Feline Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed to Catherine Kendall, a Registered Veterinary Nurse at the RVC from Stevenage. Catherine has been an exemplary participant in the Blood Donor Programme since 2007. Catherine has involved six cats and five dogs in the programme, collectively making over 114 donations and helping approximately 150 animals in need.

Carol Ann Carlton, based in Lincolnshire, received the Canine Lifetime Achievement Award. Carol Ann discovered the Blood Donor Programme through a leaflet at her local vets. She first joined the programme in 2005 but it wasn’t until 2006 that her dog Zinfandel donated blood. Since then, Carol Ann has gone above and beyond to support the programme, with a total of 14 dogs taking part, marking 121 donations and supporting more than 242 dogs.

The RVC Blood Donor Programme is a vital service that helps save and treat thousands of pets at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. The hospital facilitated 711 transfusions last year alone. Through the generosity of blood donor families, the RVC’s animal hospitals can continue performing a wide range of complex and life-saving operations and treatments every day.

Catherine Kendall, Feline Lifetime Achievement Award winner, said:

"I was really shocked and surprised to find out we had won the Lifetime Achievement Award. My animals all love coming into the hospital to donate, and it is not something I give a second thought about. If any of my animals ever need blood, I would want it to be available, and this is the only way to achieve that.

“My cat Fleur, who was also a blood donor, was unwell and was treated at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. She needed serum eye drops to treat an eye ulcer which were available thanks to the Blood Donor Programme. So, I know first-hand how essential the service is and how valuable every donation is.’’

Carol Ann Carlton, Canine Lifetime Achievement Award winner, said:

"Blood donor nurses, Robyn and Charlotte, have done so much to promote the programme and make the blood donors feel appreciated. There are so many people and blood donors involved, and to be chosen is quite an honour.

“My dog Zinfandel was the starting point on this journey. I remember when Zinfandel first donated because he got his third ticket to become a champion at the Ridgeback Club of Great Britain while his donation patch was still visible. But to me he was already a hero because we had done something special by donating blood.’’

Charlotte Russo, Head Transfusion Medicine Nurse at the RVC, emphasised the importance of the programme:

"Our voluntary donation programme relies entirely on the goodwill of local pet owners. We are delighted to recognise Catherine and Carol Ann for their incredible generosity and commitment. Their support alone has enabled us to treat and care for hundreds of cats and dogs. Without dedicated owners like them and their superhero pets, we wouldn't be able to keep up with the demand for blood products that save lives every year."

The RVC Animal Care Trust funds both vital equipment and research to support the RVC Blood Donor service. To celebrate the 20th birthday of the programme and expand this essential service, the Trust has launched an appeal to raise £150,000 for new facilities. If you think your pet could be a blood donor superhero or if you wish to support the Blood Donor Appeal, please visit: /act/support-us/pet-blood-donor-appeal. 

Notes to Editors

For media enquiries, please contact:

• Jasmin De Vivo at jasmin.devivo@plmr.co.uk or rvc@plmr.co.uk
• Press Line: 0800 368 9520

ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥ the RVC

• The ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥ (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London
• It is one of the few veterinary schools in the world that hold accreditations from the RCVS in the UK (with reciprocal recognition from the AVBC for Australasia, the VCI for Ireland and the SAVC for South Africa), the EAEVE in the EU, and the AVMA in the USA and Canada.
• The RVC is ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2024.
• The RVC offers undergraduate and ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥ programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences.
• The RVC is a research-led institution, with 88% of its research rated as internationally excellent or world class in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
• The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire.

ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥ the RVC Animal Care Trust

• The Animal Care Trust supports the RVC hospitals that treat and care for over 30,000 animal patients a year by providing funds for new equipment and enhanced facilities.
• The Animal Care Trust supports clinicians and scientists of the future, invests in the development and application of scientific research, funds pioneering work in animal and human health, and assists research projects carried out by RVC researchers and undergraduate and ÐÂÔÂÖ±²¥ students.
• /act