A former British Army soldier is set to graduate from University Centre Reaseheath after transforming his career to join one of only two pioneering veterinary tissue banks in the world.
A former British Army soldier is set to graduate from University Centre Reaseheath after transforming his career to join one of only two pioneering veterinary tissue banks in the world.
Johnathon Alderson’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unexpected career change that has taken him from the armed forces to a role where he is dedicated to helping companion animals through tissue donation and cell therapy.
His journey to studying Equine Bioveterinary Science at University Centre Reaseheath (UCR) is a testament to his drive to pursue education and his deep passion for animals.
“I grew up on a rough council estate in Liverpool,” Johnathon shares, recalling his early life. “I saw school as a way of escaping that environment. I really enjoyed learning new things.”
Despite an early interest in science and biology, Johnathon left school at 16 and joined the British Army, driven by both necessity and a desire to avoid ‘falling into a bad crowd’.
During his time in the armed forces, Johnathon, who now lives in Caergwrle near Wrexham, gained skills as an electrician and vehicle mechanic, and although his professional career was off to a strong start, his passion for animals persisted.
“While in the Army, I volunteered at an equine rescue, where I learned how to care for injuries and even got my first horse,” he explains. This early experience with animals sparked the initial idea of bringing his love of science and animal care together into a career.
After leaving the Army, Johnathon’s journey took another unexpected turn when he began working at Airbus, where he earned a Lean Six Sigma green belt certification and managed improvement projects. Despite success in this field, he realised something was missing. “I realised I wasn’t in a career I had passion for,” he says. “With the support of my manager and even the CEO of Airbus, I enrolled on an Access to Science course, with my shifts adjusted around my college hours.”
It was during this time that Johnathon came across the Equine Bioveterinary Science course at UCR in Nantwich. With his prior experience volunteering at an equine rescue and a deep-seated love for animals, it felt like the perfect fit. “I knew of Reaseheath through equine friends, and they all recommended it,” he recalls. “I told the CEO of Airbus about it, and both he and my manager encouraged me to follow my passion.”
However, stepping back into education as a mature student wasn’t without its challenges. “The first day was nerve-racking,” Johnathon admits. “Not knowing anyone and wondering whether I was making the right decision.” But the welcoming environment at UCR and the camaraderie among his peers quickly put him at ease. “The cohort I was with were all very chatty, and I felt welcomed. I’m still in contact with everyone, and we regularly meet up for days out.”
Johnathon’s time at UCR allowed him to seize numerous opportunities for growth, both academically and personally. “I had the opportunity to gain my Level 3 Award in Education and Training,” he says. “This has shaped my career aspirations, and I’m now considering a future in teaching. The help and support I received from staff inspired me to want to give back and support students in the same way.”
He also took on a leadership role as a course representative on the student council. “As a mature student, I wasn’t afraid to speak up and raise any issues,” Johnathon explains. His leadership qualities, combined with the practical skills he learned throughout the course, made a significant impact on his development. “We had the opportunity to visit equine laboratories in Cambridge and Cheshire and meet with industry experts. We also went behind the scenes at Knowsley Safari Park, which was an incredible experience.”
Now, as a member of Veterinary Tissue Bank in Wrexham, Johnathon applies the skills and knowledge he gained at UCR in his day-to-day work.
“At the tissue bank we make bone grafts and tissue grafts from cat and dog cadavers,” he explains. “The comparative anatomy and physiology modules I studied were invaluable. I now know where to make cuts, how to separate joints, and how to identify ligaments and tendons. Without that knowledge, I wouldn’t be able to perform the dissections required for my job.”
Johnathon’s role at the tissue bank involves a delicate combination of technical precision and care, something he finds deeply rewarding. “We receive requests from vets all over the world for tissue or bone grafts, and we process everything from the long bones to tendons,” he says. “The most rewarding part is knowing that our work helps save cats and dogs from being euthanised prematurely.”
Although his military background provided him with the resilience and work ethic needed for his current role, Johnathon attributes his success to the education he received at UCR. “My degree at University Centre Reaseheath gave me the skills and confidence to do this job,” he says. “The lab-based lectures were incredibly useful, especially learning aseptic techniques and understanding diseases.”
Looking to the future, Johnathon is considering furthering his education, potentially pursuing a PhD or MSc in veterinary science, with a focus on disease and virology. Teaching is also on his radar. “I’d love to move into teaching or lecturing once I’ve gained more industry experience,” he reflects.
For prospective students, especially those who may be mature students like himself, Johnathon has one key piece of advice: “If it’s something you’re passionate about, go for it. Studying at University Centre Reaseheath was a great experience, and the staff are incredibly supportive.”
Reflecting on his time at UCR, Johnathon is full of praise for the teaching staff who made his experience unforgettable.
“Beth, Sophie, and Lucianna from the Equine department went above and beyond. Without their help and guidance, some students, including myself, feel we wouldn’t have achieved the results we did.”
Bethany Greenshields, Lecturer and Course Manager at UCR, said: “Johnathon came to UCR as a mature student and quickly fit in with his peers, bringing an infectious enthusiasm for learning and seizing every opportunity available to him.
“His diverse background set him apart, giving him the drive to explore an alternative career path, which ultimately led to his position at one of the world’s only veterinary tissue banks. Johnathon consistently demonstrated leadership, motivation, and a proactive approach throughout his time with us, qualities that have been instrumental in shaping his success.”
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