A day to celebrate for CQ graduates
CQ's annual ceremony celebrates the achievements of its newly graduated veterinary nurses.
The latest cohort of veterinary nurses to graduate from Central Qualifications (CQ) celebrated their achievements in style last weekend, attending a special ceremony in central London.
Taking place at Central Hall in Westminster, the ceremony was attended by more than 130 people. Among these were 28 graduates, who each received a badge and scroll.
Guests also enjoyed an inspirational talk from Benjamin Mee, the author of best-selling book We Bought a Zoo.
Benjamin described how he came to be the owner of Dartmoor Zoo after he and his family came across a wildlife park in huge financial difficulties, which could have resulted in the animals being euthanised if a buyer had not been found.
By the following year, Benjamin had saved the animals and managed to re-open the zoo, but he faced many challenges including the return of his wife's brain tumour, which was sadly terminal.
We Bought a Zoo has since been made into a film of the same title and Ben is now a motivational speaker. He gives talks on overcoming life's challenges, encouraging people not to give up.
The annual graduation ceremony was the second to be hosted by CQ. It recognises the achievements of veterinary nurses who have qualified with the awarding body in the previous 12 months.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
