Each year, the University of Buckingham honours individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields, and this year, Tony was celebrated for his remarkable commitment to improving the lives of animals in the UK and around the world. The honorary degree was presented during the Faculty of Education graduation ceremony, held at Buckingham Parish Church.

The award was presented by Vice-Chancellor James Tooley during the University’s graduation ceremony, where students from across the world were also celebrating the completion of their degrees.

In a moving five-minute speech, our found shared some of the story behind his journey — from being evacuated to a farm in Essex as a child during the Second World War, to starting at the bottom as a bank cashier in Los Angeles, and eventually going on to lead some of the world’s largest international recruitment companies.

Tony spoke about the importance of resilience and how much can be achieved when you find something you truly care about. As he told the students: