Meet our professional and friendly Vets, Nurses, Client Care and Practice Support Teams.
Nick Watson MA, VetMB. MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Nick graduated from Cambridge University in 1986. He spent 4 years in Corbridge and another two years in Alnwick, both mixed practices, before joining Wicstun in 1992.
He had spent time with Wicstun as a veterinary student and was happy to return to the practice, which is where he has been ever since.
He still enjoys the variety of being a mixed practitioner and can be found on or off site, in equal measures. Nick enjoys equine work.
When not at work Nick likes to travel, driving, good dining, family and friends.
Julian Hamilton BVSc, Cert PM, MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Julian graduated from Bristol University in 1994, joining Wicstun in 1997. He works closely with the farming communities across East Riding and has a special interest in pig veterinary medicine and health assurance.
Julian studied towards and successfully gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Pig Medicine.
Away from work Julian enjoys time with his family.
Edward Pettifer BVM&S PG Cert SAS MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Having grown up locally, Ed qualified from Edinburgh University in 1998 and worked in mixed practice on the Isle of Man, returning to East Yorkshire in 1999 to work at Wicstun.
His role remains truly mixed. Ed has a keen interest in small animal surgery and game bird work and he is nearing the completion of a Post Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. He is also undertaking a second certificate in Endoscopic Surgical Techniques.
Outside of work Ed enjoys time with his family and a gang of dogs, cats, chickens, sheep and horses. He is well known for his passion for fly fishing.
John Sleigh BVMS, MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
John graduated from Glasgow University in 1986 and came to join Wicstun in 1992. John enjoys the variety of mixed practice and has a particular interest in companion animal surgery.
Away from work, John likes to follow his sons playing rugby.
A keen outdoor enthusiast, he’s happy mountaineering, skiing, playing golf and being taken for a walk by cairn terrier, Nellie!
Andrew Moll B.VetMed, MRCVS- Veterinary Surgeon
Andrew graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2004 and for a short time, worked in mixed practice in North Yorkshire. He joined Wicstun in 2005. He enjoys the variety of mixed practice and has a special interest in companion animal medicine.
In his time away from work, Andrew enjoys most sports, outdoor pursuits and spending time with his family.
He has an ever expanding group of animals at home including horses, sheep and chickens.
Angus Mitchell BVMS CertCHP MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Angus Mitchell graduated from Glasgow University in 1974 and joined Wicstun in the same year. He gained a Graduate Certificate in Cattle Health and Production in 1992 and his special interest in this area continues today, particularly cattle disease and their control on farms.
A regular at our Pocklington branch too, Angus also thoroughly enjoys seeing companion animals and their owners.
In his time away from the practice, Angus enjoys family life and spends as much time as possible with his grandchildren. He enjoys all country sports and pursuits, gardening, playing golf and watching rugby.
Angharad Harper B.V.M.&S, MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Angharad Harper graduated from Edinburgh in 2001 and joined a mixed practice in North Yorkshire. She joined the Wicstun team in 2004 and enjoys all aspects of life in a truly mixed practice.
Whether she’s busy away with a calving or flock health, small animal surgery or even tortoise medicine, there’s always something to keep an interest.
“I love the true variety that being a vet offers, a cliché it may be, but no two days are ever the same and there are always new challenges”.
When not working hard at helping all creatures great and small, Angharad is Mum to three young children and this keeps her on her toes. Her husband is an arable farmer so it’s all hands to the deck during Summer and Harvest time.
Clover the Labrador and Maggie the rescue cat will sometimes join the family for a picnic in the harvest field, and these are very special family times. Angharad’s chickens also supply the local neighbourhood with eggs.
Emma McArthur BVSc MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Emma qualified from Liverpool University in 2010. After leaving University she gained plenty of experience as a farm vet and companion animal practitioner in various locations around the UK.
Having grown up in East Yorkshire, Emma had spent time at Wicstun Vets on placement as a student, and once she had made the decision to come home she was excited to re-join the Wicstun team in 2016. She thoroughly enjoys all aspects of mixed practice work; she’s as happy out and about Tb testing on a farm as she is in a theatre or consulting room. She loves the daily variety of life at Wicstun Vets.
“What I enjoy most is having a positive effect on the animal’s life, and often with it the life of the owner, whether it be implementing beneficial changes on a large scale flock or herd or for the health of the individual.”
Emma lives locally to her family farm in North Dalton with her husband, Scott, their border terrier – Wiggle, horse – Pip and kitten -Tom who was brought into Wicstun as a collapsed stray at only 4 weeks old.
Emma is currently on maternity leave after welcoming their son, Doug into the world in May.
Emily Bloom BVSc MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Emily graduated from the University of Bristol in 2016 before joining Wicstun, a practice which she spent many weeks at as a student.
“I enjoy working at Wicstun Veterinary Group as we a truly mixed practice, and have a huge variety of cases from day to day. Although I have a particular interest in companion animal cardiology and imaging, I also relish time out in the field.”
Away from work Emily is just as busy as when she’s at work, whether she is spending time at the family farm or socialising with friends. She is a keen sportswoman and has a particular passion for netball.
Will Taylor BVM BVS MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Will joined the Wicstun team in 2017 following his graduation from the University of Nottingham. He thoroughly enjoyed his studies and was keen to get involved with mixed practice as soon as he could.
Will has gained plenty of experience thus far and looks forward to the variety of casework that a mixed practice has to offer on a daily basis. So far, he has started to develop an interest in small animal imaging.
“I have really enjoyed starting my veterinary career with Wicstun. I completed my work experience here during my final year at University and the ‘homely’ nature of the practice, coupled with the friendly staff confirmed to me that this is where I want to be.”
In his spare time Will loves to play rugby, although a recent ligament injury has left him on the sideline as a spectator for now.
Other interests include outdoor pursuits and all things countryside and this includes walking (and cleaning up after) his geriatric border terrier, Spike. Will also spends a significant proportion of his time searching his house for Crusty, his blind corn snake, who has a talent for escaping his vivarium!
Fran Rickatson BVSc MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Fran has recently graduated from Liverpool University having completed many years of study.
Having spent time with the Wicstun team as a student Fran was keen to come back and join us once her studies were complete, we’re very excited to have her with us.
“I’m looking forward to finding my feet here at Wicstun, it’s a great practice with lovely people and a varied caseload which makes every day interesting”
Fran grew up on a farm and enjoys spending time there walking her two English setters. A huge fan of the outdoors, she can often be found cycling, wild swimming and attempting to surf. Although she dedicates a lot of time to keeping fit she’s also a keen foodie and gin lover!
Tom Woods BVM BVS MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Elizabeth Lloyd BVM BVS MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Kath Gray (BVMedSci) BVM BVS MRCVS – Veterinary Surgeon
Kath joined our farm vet team in June 2020. Kath moved to Yorkshire following her graduation from Nottingham University in 2018.
Kath grew up in South East Wales and and she always wanted to be a farm vet. Kath used to farm at home in Wales with her partner – an agricultural contractor, where they reared bucket calves, kept a suckler herd and had a handful of pedigree breeding sheep. Her main interests are in calf health and youngstock.
She has made the move up to Yorkshire with her pet cows/calves, some of the sheep, and she also has three dogs, two sheepdog collies and a patterdale.
Outside of work, Kath enjoys working on the farm, being an active member of Young Farmers and getting out and about in the countryside.
Jo Cooper RVN – Head Nurse
Jo gained her veterinary nursing qualifications in 2006 through studies at Myerscough College, Preston. Since qualifying she has undertaken additional studies to become a clinical coach and a veterinary nurse training assessor. She joined the Wicstun team in 2007.
She thoroughly enjoys all aspects of nursing, from running clinics to taking part in orthopaedic procedures. Looking for the next step in her career, Jo has taken on the position of Head Nurse and is currently studying towards a management qualification.
When not at work, Jo loves to spend time with her husband and young son, Sam. The family recently welcomed ‘Fez the wonder kitten’ into their home and chaos is often the flavour of the day. If you missed Jo and Fez’s incredible story, see the story on our news page.
Jenny Cushing RVN – Head Nurse
Jenny started at Wicstun Vets as a trainee nurse in 2006, at just sixteen years old. She studied at the College of Animal Welfare whilst working in practice and successfully completed her nursing qualification in 2010.
She has gained plenty of experience in clinical work and has a keen interest in radiography, emergency and intensive care nursing. Jenny thoroughly enjoys using her wealth of experience to help further develop the nursing team and as such, has moved into a Head Nurse role. She has recently begun further study in First Line Management through the Chartered Management Institute.
“I am proud to work at Wicstun as they are a great team of people who strive to do the very best for patients every day, and I love being a Vet Nurse here as I can use my qualifications and experience to make a difference to animals which I find massively rewarding.”
When not at work Jenny and her husband, Dan are proud parents to their two daughters Olivia and Ella. They enjoy spending lots of quality time together. Having grown up on a farm she has always been surrounded by lots of different animals and this largely influenced both her career and hobby choices. Jenny has two horses, Piper and Henry, and two dogs, Kayla and Lexi. They all love going out on walks together!
Kate Foster RVN
Kate qualified as a Veterinary Nurse from Myerscough College having passed her level 2 and level 3 Small Animal Nursing NVQ with Merit. She completed her training in mixed practice in Wales before moving to North Yorkshire and working in mixed practice there too.
She joined the Wicstun team in 2014 and enjoys running nurse clinics, meeting pet owners and animals. She also has a particular interest in Laboratory work.
“I enjoy being a Veterinary Nurse and working at Wicstun Vets as I am part of a great team and there’s always something interesting to see!”
She enjoys spending time with her young family and socialising with friends. When time allows Kate enjoys gardening and reading a good book. She shares her home with Billy the cat and Hedge the guinea pig.
Jenny Gordon RVN
Jenny graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2016 after completing a foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing. Whilst at University she worked in companion animal practice for three years, then made the move to Yorkshire and joined the Wicstun team in 2017.
She has made a significant contribution to the practice whilst further developing her nursing skills. Jenny has a keen interest in medical and intensive care nursing and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge in these areas over the next eighteen months.
“Being a veterinary nurse is very rewarding, especially seeing animals improve following illness and injury and knowing that you helped them to recover”
Jenny is enjoying renovating her new home and garden alongside exploring the local countryside. Her two cats, Ollie and Millie, were both injured strays in need of a caring home and Jenny was only too happy to take them both in.
Amber Guthrie RVN
Amber qualified in 2013 after successfully completing five years’ study towards a Veterinary Nursing degree. She came to Wicstun as a locum nurse but loved the practice so much she took a permanent position in 2017.
She enjoys all aspects of nursing and has a particular interest in theatre nursing and anaesthesia, dentistry and wound management. She is an advocate of the ‘cat friendly’ approach (this is a type of practice ethos and doesn’t suggest that practices aren’t cat friendly!) Amber is due to begin further study into Wound Management in March.
Amber is a keen traveller and adrenaline junkie. Her most recent trip involved sky diving, zip lining and caving in New Zealand. A self confessed water baby, Amber has her open water scuba diving certificate and can often be found kayaking and swimming. She is a keen hiker and is about to tackle the UK ‘Coast to Coast’
Lizzie Johnson RVN
Lizzie has worked in veterinary practice since the age of 18 and joined Wicstun in 2016. She completed her nursing studies through the College of Animal Welfare, becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2014.
Her interests include radiography and laboratory work, although her absolute passion is pet health clinics. As a real people person, Lizzie loves to share her knowledge with clients and provide care support in this way.
“Wicstun is a fantastic place to work – there’s so much variety and no two days are the same”
Lizzie has a variety of pets at home; a rescue cat, two guinea pigs, marine fish and a freidnly cocker spaniel, Pippa. She has a young family and thoroughly enjoys time with them. When she has chance, Lizzie is a keen baker (much to the teams’ delight!)
Nicola Grundy RVN
Nicola qualified from Edinburgh’s Telford College in 1998. Having tested the Wicstun waters through work experience in 1996, she came to join the practice as a qualified nurse and stayed until she began locum work in 2002.
She stayed in practice whilst bringing up a young family and worked at Bishop Burton College with the Animal Care Apprentices.
Nicola also spent time working with the RSPCA before joining the Wicstun team again. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, both patient and client care.
When not at work Nicola enjoys time with family and friends. Having recently bought a new home with a large garden, she can often be found busying herself with both projects.
Isobel Forman RVN
Izzy joined the Wicstun Team in October 2017 having recently gained her nursing qualifications through the College of Animal Welfare. Wicstun is her first position as a fully fledged Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Izzy has already developed a particular interest in Nurse Clinics and looking after our inpatients, as she enjoys monitoring patient progress.
“I enjoy working at Wicstun as I get to work with a wide variety of cases and lots of different types of animals”.
Outside of work Izzy is a keen horse rider and she has volunteered at the local RDA group for the last eight years.
Amy Maskell RVN
Amy loves all aspects of veterinary nursing, especially critical care and theatre – If there’s an emergency then she is there. She loves hands on care and since joining the Wicstun team she has been the rehabilitation nurse for many of our patients.
Amy is looking towards gaining her nursing qualification in emergency care and also hydrotherapy!
After moving around all her life with a dad in the military, Amy is now very nicely settled in Yorkshire and loves spending her spare time horse riding and walking her gorgeous rescue Labrador, Ralph.
Ruth Atkinson RVN
Ruth joined us at Wicstun in October 2019
Ruth started her veterinary career at her local veterinary hospital in 2014. She began as a kennel assistant and qualified in April 2018.
Her main interests at work are veterinary rehabilitation (hydrotherapy and laser therapy) and intensive care nursing/ward work.
Outside of work, Ruth loves walking and the countryside. Ruth also works with Hull Animal Welfare and gets involved in annual fundraising events – last year she climbed the Yorkshire 3 peaks and Snowdon!
Ruth has two dogs, Gypsy and Norman – Norman is slightly wild and provides a lot of entertainment! When not out walking, Ruth also owns two horses so a lot of her spare time is spent riding and caring for them.
Emma Parkin RVN
Sophie Challis – Qualified Veterinary Nurse
Sophie has recently completed her training to become an RVN at the College of Animal Welfare.
She has thoroughly enjoyed gaining 3 years experience in a small animal veterinary practice and is really looking forward to expanding her knowledge further in mixed animal practice.
She loves all aspects of the job and some of her favourite parts are looking after patients that require critical nursing care and monitoring patients whilst under general anaesthesia for surgery.
She spends her time away from work with family, friends and her own pets; a horse called Star and two terriers Dylan and Esther.
Katie Taylor RVN
Katie has been passionate about animals since she was old enough to talk! It had been a dream of hers to become a veterinary nurse and she followed her dream, leading her to Wicstun Vet Group. We are so pleased the journey led her to us, Katie has been a great addition to the team!
“I absolutely love my job and in particular I love nursing the inpatients, and emergency and critical care!”
At home, Katie takes excellent care of her three-legged cat, Bella and her spaniel, Daisy. In her free time, Katie likes to do lots of walking in the countryside, she enjoys travelling and exploring different countries with her boyfriend.
Sam Chapman – Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Sam joined the Wicstun team in 2018 having studied Animal Care at Bishop Burton College. He has always wanted to work with animals and hopes to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse.
He is already a very valuable member of the team.
“I am really enjoying my time at Wicstun, everyone is lovely to work with. I really enjoy the variety of the job and love learning how to handle different animals correctly”
Sam’s spare time is spent with his family and walking his dogs.
Lizzie Haigh – Veterinary Care Assistant
Jess Woods – Student Veterinary Nurse
Fran Ackerley – Client Care Team
Fran joined the Client Care Team at Pocklington in 2017, having previously had a similar role in a mainly equine and small animal practice in North Yorkshire.
“I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to join a local practice, who have always given great care and service to our domestic and farm animals.
I find my work very rewarding – providing the link between pet owners and the clinical teams. It’s good to help everyone, pets and people alike”
When not at the vets she can be found at home in the garden, caring for her cows, walking the dogs or riding her horse, in amongst looking after a busy family home which she shares with four men!
Gill Thornton – Client Care Team
Gill joined Wicstun in 2002 and still thoroughly enjoys meeting and helping pets and their owners.
“What is there not to like when you work with pets and their lovely owners!”
In her spare time Gill likes Latin dancing, hiking with a local club, eating out and nice weekend breaks.
Lisa – Client Care Team
After relocating to the area, I wanted to find a job where I could get to know the local people and feel part of the community. A lover of animals and a passion for customer service, this was an excellent opportunity
I love the atmosphere of a busy morning surgery, meeting our lovely clients and learning all about the working of a veterinary practice.
After studying Outdoor Education at University, I became a busy mum of two. Free time is family time and spend most of it in the great outdoors – dog walking, cycling, skiing and kayaking.
Lynne Chandler – Client Care Team
Lynne joined Wicstun in 1995. She has worked on the Client Care Team ever since and has thoroughly enjoyed meeting and helping many, many pets and their owners.
“We provide a great service at Wicstun, it’s lovely to be such a longstanding part of that”
Lynne is very creative and when she’s not helping pet owners out, she can be found drawing pastel paintings or taking photographs. She spends the rest of her time split between her grandchildren and her dog.
Sarah Warburton – Client Care Team
Sarah joined Wicstun Vets in 2017 as a member of the Client Care Team. She brings with her a wonderfully cheerful disposition and lots of useful knowledge gathered from her degree study in Tourism Management.
Although she thoroughly enjoyed being a stay at home Mum of two, Sarah was looking for something to get the ‘old grey matter’ working once again and was delighted when an opportunity arose to join the Wicstun team at Pocklington, especially when she knew they had previously cared for her family’s trio of bunnies so well.
When not at work Sarah loves to travel, both abroad and at home with her family. She loves to keep fit and really enjoys cycling or walking with friends. The newest addition to her family is Millie, a Russian Dwarf hamster, who keeps everyone entertained by being extremely lively and very cute.
Sue Wilde – Client Care Team
Sue came to Wicstun 15 years ago having decided upon a complete career change from hairdressing.
She takes great satisfaction in making sure that pets and owners receive the care and attention they need from start to finish. No two days are the same and the variety of what may come her way is something that Sue really loves about the job.
“Having worked at Wicstun for 15 years, it feels like extended family. We’re a big, happy gang!”
Sue is married with children and grandchildren, and enjoys spending her time with her family. About 10 years ago her family welcomed in rescue dog, Jack. He’s a bit naughty and lacks manners, but he’s lovely. He was overweight…until the Wicstun nurses caught up with him!
Sue Wiles – Client Care Team
Sue joined the Wicstun team in June 2008. She has spent most of her working life in a secretarial and supportive capacity, alongside having many pets of her own and a love of animals in general.
The prospect of working at Wicstun Vets, combining skills and passion, was very appealing and she was thrilled to come on board.
“I enjoy my working life here at Wicsun Vets and being part of such a friendly team. The days pass quickly as we are often very busy!”
Sue enjoys a very varied life outside work which includes spending precious time with her family and grandchildren. She loves to ride her horse Jazz and looking after her and two companion ponies Arry and Pippin. A keen horsewoman, she is also on the committee of the White Rose Riding Club. Country walks with Millie and Zuki, her two beautiful dogs, and a spot of gardening are also favourite pass times – when she has the time.
Wendy Hopwood – Client Care Team
Wendy joined the team at Pocklington at the start of 2016. She tells us that she loves everything about her job, especially meeting and helping pet owners.
She is also a regular at providing extra TLC for nervous patients.
“Providing a great service for our clients is really important to me. Whatever challenges pet ownership brings, I love being able to help”
Away from work, Wendy enjoys spending lots of time with her own two dogs; a cheeky young terrier and an older, wiser retriever.
Toni Williams – Client Care Team
Toni joined the Wicstun Client Care Team in 2013 and has worked at both the Market Weighton and South Cave branches.
At school she was often in trouble for talking too much, however in adult life this has stood her in good stead as she loves spending her time chatting away to pet owners and pets alike. Client care is a way of life for Toni!
“Three words that I am always telling myself and others; YOU ACTUALLY CAN! Especially when it comes to pet care!”
Away from work, Toni likes spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, and going for long walks especially on the beach with her two Labradors Nina and Eddy. She is also a keen gardener.
Helen Fisher – Client Care Team
“I enjoy being able to help clients & their animals & also being part of the friendly & fabulous South Cave team!”
Originally from Nottinghamshire, Helen studied at Agricultural Colleges for 2 years before working on farms & equine establishments. Helen then took a year out to travel round Australia. Since then, she has not left behind the travel bug and has also visited the USA numerous times, Australia again & New Zealand.
In her spare time, Helen cares for her 2 cats and 11 chickens, growing veg and gardening. She also enjoys eating out with her husband and the love attending live music events together.
Angela Fletcher – Client Care Team
Angela joined Wicstun in 2018.
Belinda Cook – Client Care Team
Anita Hunt – Practice Manager
Anita moved to Market Weighton with her family in 1997 and joined Wicstun in 1998.
Having come from a military and council environment, she fancied stepping into an entirely new field and saw the job advertised in the local post office. Since then, she has covered many areas of practice administration and is a font of knowledge and help for our teams. She likens herself to fixtures and fittings!
“It’s so lovely to work with a friendly, caring team of people, no two days are the same – sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day but that’s a part of what we do!”
When not at work Anita really enjoys time with her children and grandchildren. Pampered pooch, Penny, regularly accompanies her on lovely walks in the countryside.
Christine Coe – Practice Support
Christine joined Wicstun Vets in 2011, after her family had flown the nest. Coming from a farming background she particularly enjoys the large animal side of the job which involves speaking with farmers and organising visits.
She plays an important part in ensuring that our vets are efficiently co-ordinated, whilst out on daily farm visits across East Riding.
When not at work she enjoys walking, spending time with her family and getting involved with local village events.
Beverley Griffin – Practice Support
Bev came to Wicstun Vets in 2015 having worked in the hospitality management industry for some years. Always a fan of animals, she wanted to learn more about life in veterinary practice and still be very much involved with client care.
Life at Wicstun has been enjoyable and has lived up to expectation. Bev has recently begun studying towards the VPAC qualification, a formally recognised qualification in practice administration.
“I love being in a busy environment where no two days are the same. My role gives me the opportunity to work across several business areas. It’s great to be able to be there for clients and to be of help in those moments of need.”
Bev married her long term partner in Malta last year, with their daughter Isla as chief helper. She enjoys nothing more than making lots of lovely memories with her family.
A self confessed fitness buff, Bev can often be found working out and dancing and, when time allows, she enjoys the cinema, watching football and rugby and eating out.
Alison Kirkby – Practice Support
I’d only worked at Wicstun vets a short time when it struck me how the whole team within each practice are so passionate about their shared devotion to the care of all animals.
I have until recently had a flock of 300 Beltex x Texel sheep, it was a very sad day when the grazing which I rented was sold and the flock had to be dispersed, I couldn’t imagine a working environment without animals and was overjoyed to be given the chance of this employment. I still have 3 pet sheep and various poultry as well as two dogs and a retired horse. During my leisure time I enjoy socialising and cooking for friends and family.
Carol Linford – Practice Support
Carol has been a member of the Wicstun team since 2011 and plays an important part in ensuring that we’re kept clean and tidy. She loves what she does and thinks that the staff are great, and she’ll often chatter with pet owners too.
Alongside keeping the facilities sparkling, Carol keeps the team going with her delicious home-made quiches, cakes and buns which are forever popular and a real treat for us all.
Kennedy Sawyer – Marketing Manager
Kennedy joined the Wicstun team in 2020 to oversee all marketing activities for the group. Having worked in the industry for 4 years, Kennedy brings with her not only her marketing experience but also knowledge of the world of vets!
Kennedy joined the Wicstun team from 9 years experience in recruitment and 4 of those in veterinary recruitment. During her time in recruitment, she discovered her love for marketing and gained her CIM qualification.
“I love working with local businesses and helping them build and create their visions”
In her spare time, Kennedy enjoys exploring the beautiful spots of Yorkshire with her husband. She has also started learning the piano – something we hope to witness and sing along to very soon!
