Nick Mills will be loved and remembered by all those who knew him for the many special attributes he possessed. For me, personally: Nick was the kind of vet a pet owner would want to have, the kind of friend you are lucky to be blessed with. Nick took on the role to become one of our chief advisors to the Foundation in 2006. At that time we were viewed by some people in the veterinary profession with trepidation. Nick never lost sight of my dream to save animals with early detection of MRSA. I had lost my beloved dog Bella the previous year to MRSA (human strain) and Nick could see that MRSA was an emerging problem in animals. He encouraged me in the face of adversity. Nick played an important role in helping the Foundation grow as a new charity.
I first met Nick at the 1st International Conference on animals that we co-hosted with University of Liverpool (2006). He came up to me after the days proceedings and introduced himself, praising my efforts to raise awareness of MRSA in the veterinary profession. Since then we struck up a friendship. Over the last two years Nick has helped me develop an interactive training website so that online, all veterinary staff could access information on infection control, thus helping them protect their practice and patients. www.veterinarynursetrainingonline.org was launched at BVNA Congress 2008.
Pet Plan Charitable Trust granted BMF the funds to make this vision a reality and for that we are grateful. Nick was a member of the PPCT board and I know that VNTO was very close to Nick’s heart. I thank God that Nick lived to see the completion of its launch before his untimely death. VNTO is a living legacy to Nick’s passion to benefit animal welfare.
As President of BMF I am proud to have known Nick, not only did he offer me the gift of his friendship but his ongoing advise on clinical issues relating to pet-owners problems. I am a better person for having Nick in my life. I truly respected him in every way. On the occasions when pet-owner’s contacted the Foundation I could rely on Nick’s help to talk issues through with and I learnt so much from him. Whenever I called him, he would always take my calls saying what a pleasure for him to talk with me. Even at the times I caught him knee deep in……attending horses in the field!
The Bella Moss Foundation is truly privileged to have been blessed with Nick Mills as one of our chief advisor for nearly three years.
When I think of Nick, I think of a true gentleman, a man of integrity, with a passion for life, altruistic in every sense. Nick helped so many people unselfishly with no personal gain. He exuded warmth and empathy, when entering a room his character (larger than life) lit up everyone’s mood. Nick made me feel that anything could be achieved and at the same time it would be fun trying.
Nick had so many years ahead of him and for all of us that knew him ( I am sure others will agree) we will feel cheated out of what we hoped would be many more years knowing a man who was exceptionally unique.
The Bella Moss Foundation has lost a special advisor and colleague whom we cherished. I personally have lost a friend whom I respected and valued highly in my life.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Nick Mills’ wife, children and family and work colleagues.
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Jill Moss
President Bella Moss Foundation
