Parents bringing our cats over to UK

We have 2 cats that are staying behind with family for a couple of months while they finish out their 6 month waiting period....

When they are cleared to go, are they able to be brought over by family members (with all the proper documents and what not)? They don't actually have to be brought over by the owners do they? Our parents are bringing them over, and I assume they can get them cleared at the Animal Reception and bring them directly to us.

If anyone has any insight on this, I would appreciate it! Thanks!

We are in the same situation.  Our kitties are spending the rest of their six month wait with my sister who will bring them over to us around Christmas.  I called British Airways who confirmed I can nominate her as the person transporting the cats.  When they all land, we plan to meet my sister at the airport and go to the reception center together, so I can't help there.

My brother brought my cat over, sort of.  they ended sending her on an earlier flight so she would be cleared by the time he arrived.  I was there waiting for her at the reception centre, and a half hour later, my brother showed up.  I don't think she needed to be accompanied by anyone at all.  As long as there was someone there to pick her up. 

I even had a notarised letter saying my brother had permission etc.. to look after my cat.  Didn't need that either.

I didn't leave for the airport until I knew she was cleared, I called several times to make sure she had made it ok and had made it through the process.  It takes 3-5 hours to clear the animal.