I have always had an interest in animal welfare and, after taking my A-levels I worked as a volunteer at the RSPCA Animal Hospital in North London. I also spent some time working abroad as a volunteer in wildlife conservation programmes.

I then became employed by the RSPCA as a hospital assistant with a view to training as a veterinary nurse. I attended a college course and, after my first year examinations, I chose to work in private veterinary practice and moved to Bristol where I am completing my second year of training.

Veterinary nursing is a female-dominated profession and I have often been the only male student. I have never found this to be a problem - in fact I rather like the attention!

Once I have passed my final examinations, I plan to stay at Lucas Veterinary Surgery to gain further surgical nursing skills. For the future, my aim is to spend two years working in Australia where I hope to increase my experience of dealing with "exotic" species, especially reptiles as well as experience working in another country.