Vet’s assistant reaches final of competition to find young adults who have helped their communities during pandemic

A Thornton Heath vet’s assistant has reached the final in a national competition to find young adults who have helped in their communities during the 2020 pandemic.

Ashleigh Walton, 25, pictured top, was nominated for Urban Jungle’s Heroes 2020 by her mum, Emma Walton, who said: “My daughter has worked consistently through both lockdowns, taking care of other people’s sick and injured pets as well as wildlife.

“She works all over Greater London and Surrey, travelling by public transport. She always goes the extra mile to ensure an animals’ comfort.”

Ashleigh said: “I didn’t know my mum had nominated me until she received your email and then she told me.

“I don’t consider myself to be a hero. I’ve loved animals all my life and I will do everything I can to make sure a sick or injured animal gets all the help it needs.

“Sometimes, my days are really hard. If we get a badly injured or very sick pet brought in and there’s nothing the vet can do to save it, I take comfort in the knowledge that we did all we could.

“All pets and wildlife deserve to be cared for and respected.”

Jimmy Williams, chief executive of Urban Jungle, said: “We think young adults have had to endure a lot in 2020 and want to do our bit to say ‘thank you’.

“So we want to meet the people, hear the stories and give thanks and recognition to those who have helped us all through.

“Perhaps they went shopping for an ill neighbour, took up the slack at work when others couldn’t or have been on the front line. We want to hear your nomination.”

To find out more, or nominate a hero, click here.