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Claire Lomas inspires delegates at CX Congress
Claire completed the 2016 Great North Run wearing a bionic suit.

Keynote speaker talks about overcoming adversity 

“Stop thinking about what you can’t do and think about what you can.”

That was the inspirational message from sportswoman Claire Lomas MBE as she delivered the keynote speech at CX Congress on Saturday (16 June).

In 2007, Claire’s life was turned upside down when was paralysed from the chest down in a riding accident. Since then, she has raised thousands of pounds for spinal research, written a book and learned several new sports.

Speaking to delegates from across the veterinary sector, Claire gave a moving talk about how the accident affected her life and the incredible steps she took towards her recovery. From learning how to ski to completing the London Marathon in a bionic suit, Claire showed that when things get tough, it is important to get out there and carry on.

“Believe in yourself, get out there and take on new challenges,” she urged. “I know that i’ve been lucky. Without the huge help of my family, friends and even strangers I couldn’t have done what I have done.

“But what I also know is that i’ve made my own luck. If I had carried on dwelling on everything i’d lost - which felt pretty much everything in those early days -  I wouldn’t have had the best days of my life after my accident.”

Claire’s numerous achievements include the Great North Run, the Great South Run and the Greater Manchester Marathon. In addition to her sporting accomplishments, Claire is also mum to two little girls and works part time in an office.

Most recently, Claire gained her motorcycle race licence, which will allow her to compete in track events. She is currently preparing to ride a lap of the Isle of Man TT to raise money for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation, The Bike Experience and The Matt Hampson Foundation.

The CX Congress took place on Saturday, 16 June at the De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham. This annual event offers customer CPD care for everyone working in veterinary practice; from the front desk to the final consult.

New for 2018 was the introduction of speaker sessions presented in four concurrent pet, equine, leading and consult streams. Each session was asked with practical tips and key insights under the theme ‘You can do it!’ 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.