Saving lives in Afghanistan

Heart has been hearing from a British Army vet from Gloucestershire who has begun a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

Captain Laura Holmes, from Cheltenham, is a member of the Veterinary Engagement Team based in Lashkar Gah, she is helping to run veterinary clinics for Afghan farmers.

Laura also runs classes for the farmers, showing them how to look after their animals themselves. 

Laura decided to become a vet because of her lifelong love of animals.

"I’m very lucky, I have an affinity with animals,” she said. “I also enjoy the medical side of things. I really enjoy seeing them get better.

"And why the army? I really enjoy the challenge it provides. Every day here is different, whether I’m out on foot patrol, or flying to a new location, no matter where I go or who I meet, I learn something new every day. No two days are the same, so it’s always exciting and always challenging."