Inspired for life by Sir David, Exec Director Olivia Walter accompanied an anti-poaching patrol crossing Kerinci Seblat National Park in Sumatra in2015, raising £5000 to protect tigers in the process.

"Asking David Attenborough for tea was one of the bravest things I have ever done. He was doing a book launch for the Life of Plants in Edinburgh, where I was a second year Zoology student. Inevitably, at least half of the university’s zoology students turned up, each waiting to meet the person who had inspired us to study the natural world. I was clutching my own collection of his books.

As we were waiting, I flippantly said 'Wouldn't it be amazing if he came for tea?' and someone said ‘Ask him’. I spent the next ten minutes trying not to shake whilst preparing to say something that wasn't just a mumble about how inspirational he was.

When I got to the front of the queue, I gave him my books to be signed and - of course - mumbled something incoherent. My friend gave me a massive prod, I dug deep, and asked Mr Attenborough if he would like to come to tea. He looked up, and said with sincerity that he would be delighted, but unfortunately wouldn't be able to accept because of his very busy book signing schedule. Prompted by another prod from my friend, I asked if he would read my CV (how I blush deeply at this now!). He graciously took it and said he would.

While mightily disappointed Sir David couldn't come for tea, I was a tiny bit relieved too; I had already been panicking about whether I could get our student flat tidy enough to receive such a distinguished guest, and worrying about what might constitute suitable refreshments – and whether I ought to make the effort to bake something...

I didn't think anything more would come of the encounter, so was very surprised when a hand-written letter arrived from him, thanking me for my offer of tea and my CV, which he kindly said he had found very interesting. He didn’t, sadly, offer me a job – but his action and encouragement had a profound impact on me.

Sir David didn't have to read the CV of a 2nd year Zoology student and he certainly didn't have to send a hand-written letter to say thank you. The fact that he did do so left an impression that will be with me forever, and is why I always reply to the school children, students and early career conservationists and wildlife vets I connect with through WVI – a little encouragement at the right moment can go a long way. And I hope that I can help in a small way to give them something that Sir David gave me - a life-long passion for the natural world and conserving biodiversity.

When the going gets tough and if feels like we are losing the battle, I look at Sir David, whose outlook has grown and evolved as the issues and needs change, pick myself up and get going again."

Thank you, Sir David. You are a true legend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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