Terminally ill vet begins ambitious fundraising campaign
A European specialist in veterinary dentistry has embarked upon an ambitious fundraising campaign, following her recent motor neurone disease diagnosis.
Lisa Milella has closed her veterinary dental practice as her deteriorating condition means that she is no longer able to operate. Despite her challenges, she has continued to put her skills and knowledge to good use, training local vets for International Animal Rescue (IAR), an organisation close to her heart.
Her first involvement with IAR was in 2005 when the charity’s trustee and human dentist Paul Cassar contacted her and enlisted her help to treat former dancing bears in India. These bears have their teeth knocked out with an iron bar to make them easier to control, which causes abscesses, infection and tumours. Since this successful visit, Lisa and Paul have made regular trips to treat animals with dental problems at IAR sanctuaries.
Lisa’s aim now is to inspire 100 people to raise £100 with their family and friends for IAR.
She explains: "I hope people will read my story and want to do something positive with their lives too - whether it's making cakes for a fete or raising money doing a run. I'm never going to get better and today is as strong as I'm ever going to be. So you've really got to make the most of now and not worry about what's going to happen tomorrow.”
Alan Knight, chief executive of IAR, said: "Over the years Lisa has made an invaluable contribution to the work of IAR. There are few people like her, personally or professionally.
"I have always had great respect for her skills and expertise, now I am equally in awe of her emotional strength and courage in the face of a terrible personal tragedy. She is a great friend to IAR and to me personally, and an inspiration to us all.”
To support Lisa’s fundraising campaign, visit her JustGiving page here.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
