Alumnus Professor Mat Reeves (MRCVS BVSc Veterinary Science 1984) and his fellow classmates from the Veterinary Science Class of 1984 have come together to support the Veterinary Science Class of 1984 Fund, enabling veterinary science students to undertake an international educational experience as part of their elective rotation.
Veterinary Science Class of 1984
The fund is ensuring recipients gain an understanding and competence in animal and human health within the global context of One Health/One Welfare, a central goal of the students' electives.
Awards such as this offer transformative experiences for students, often shaping future career paths whilst bringing knowledge and learning back to the School developing the next generation of research scientists and practitioners.
The first cohort of students awarded by the fund saw 3 students undertaking international travel in summer 2025. We caught up with two of the students to hear about their experiences.
Breanna Tye
Breanna travelled to Zambia to work within a mixed vet practice, a unique opportunity with particular focus on wildlife and rehabilitation.
"Whilst I was based in Zambia, I took part in game capture and release work, which plays an essential role in maintaining healthy genetic diversity among wildlife populations. It was amazing to see how much planning, teamwork, and care goes into safely capturing, relocating, and monitoring wild animals to support conservation efforts. I also had the chance to help with rabies prevention work, supporting vaccination and education efforts to protect both people and animals. Seeing the impact of these initiatives first-hand was incredibly rewarding and gave me a deeper appreciation for the connection between animal and human health.
"This experience strengthened my confidence, taught me practical skills, and inspired me to continue exploring wildlife and community health within my veterinary career. I am so grateful for the travel fund. Without a doubt, the grant has made international Extramural Studies (EMS) more accessible and achievable for students who might otherwise struggle to meet the costs independently.”
Lydia Allison
Lydia travelled to Sri Lanka to work alongside local veterinarians deepening her knowledge and application of exotic medicine.
“My veterinary elective placement in Sri Lanka was an eye-opening experience that broadened my understanding of global veterinary practice, learning how cultural values and beliefs shape clinical decision-making, particularly regarding euthanasia, which was far less utilised than in UK practice. Limited resources also influenced treatment approaches, encouraging creative problem-solving and a deep appreciation for adaptability in clinical settings.
"The placement offered a lot of hands-on experience, from vaccinating small animals to correcting prolapses in livestock. I gained invaluable practical skills while learning to work efficiently with what was available.
"Beyond the clinical work, the warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan staff and host families made the experience incredibly rewarding. They were eager to share their knowledge, culture, and cuisine, making me feel truly welcome. Overall, the placement not only enhanced my veterinary competence but also deepened my cultural awareness, empathy, and appreciation for the diverse ways in which veterinary medicine is practiced around the world.”
On behalf of the whole University of Liverpool, we are sincerely grateful to Mat and the Class of 1984 for creating these invaluable experiences for our students.
900-mile bike ride across the UK
Mat and his fellow classmate John Kirk will be enduring a two week bike ride, beginning on the 30 June 2026 to raise funds for the Veterinary Science Class of 1984 Fund. Their journey will begin at Lands End and finish at John o'Groats, covering more than 900 miles in 14 days. That's 70 miles a day, with no rest days!
Mat and John will be joined by fellow Class of 1984 graduates along the way, you can follow their journey on Instagram.
If you'd like to support them on their bike ride, you can donate now, please include 'Class of 1984' in the comment box.