The Blue Cross has named Newcastle-based Tyrina Gibson RVN as the winner of its Vet Nurse of The Year award.

Tyrina, pictured centre right, has worked at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals for almost four years, a vet nurse for 10 years and a champion of animals since she was a child. 

In addition to her work for the PDSA, she is also the head nurse of The Wildlife Retreat department at Hilltop Farm Animal Sanctuary and helps rear kittens for Cats Protection, particularly during their busy summer months.

Tyrina's love of animals is not restricted to cats, dogs and wildlife in the UK, though. Her passion has taken her all around the world, including an elephant sanctuary and tiger sanctuary in Thailand. She plans to go to China next year to help with panda conservation work.

The people who nominated her for the award described her as inspirational: a champion for animals with extensive knowledge and incredible commitment. 

Tyrina was presented with her award by David Catlow, the Clinical Director at Blue Cross last week.

David said: "Tyrina is held up as an inspiration for her tireless passion for helping pets, and she’s clearly highly regarded by her peers and her clients. When she’s not at the practice, she’s filling her spare time with looking after animals. Tyrina is a very deserving winner of this year’s award."

Tyrina said: "I was absolutely gobsmacked to win the award. It’s an amazing feeling and I really feel honoured. It means so much to me to get this recognition from my peers, simply for doing something that is my passion in life."