Professor Derek Knottenbelt established 'Vets with Horsepower' to raise money for international animal charities.

Professor Derek Knottenbelt receives Point of Light award

A senior veterinary professor who leads a group of fundraising motorcyclists has received a top award from the British Prime Minister.

Professor Derek Knottenbelt spearheads ‘Vets with Horsepower’ - a group of senior vets who travel the world by motorbike raising money for international animal charities and training their staff.

The University of Glasgow Professor established the group’s first tour to prevent the closure of a riding school for children with disabilities in Mali. Their most recent tour across South Africa benefited two local horse care charities and a children’s home.

Prof. Knottenbelt is the latest recipient of a Point of Light Award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers. Each day the UK Prime Minister selects somebody in the country to receive the award in recognition of their incredible achievements.

Commenting, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Your initiative, ‘Vets with Horsepower’ takes a brilliantly innovative approach to raising funds for some very worthy causes across the world, as well as supporting charity staff with your team’s professional skills.”

Prof. Knottenbelt is the 631st winner of the Points of Light award which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA and was first established by President George H. W. Bush.

“This award is truly amazing and I am both honoured and humbled by it," said Prof. Knottenbelt. "I am part of an amazing team of people who care deeply about the wider world and this is as much their recognition as mine. It is simply amazing to be recognised in this way.”

Image (C) University of Glasgow