Meet our Team








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    Dr Louise Parker

    Clinical Director

    BVetMed MRCVS

    Louise graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011, and has worked for various veterinary practices and charities in Spain, Africa, the Caribbean and Sri Lanka. She holds a certificate in emergency and critical care, and joined our team in 2014. Her dog Barney is a firm favourite amongst the team, and she has a horse called Duke. Her favourite pastimes include horse riding, skiing, going to the gym and meeting up with friends.

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    Clare Sutton

    Practice Manager

    Clare has been with the Willows since 1993. During this time she has been a veterinary nurse for both the first opinion and referral practices. Clare was the Head Nurse prior to being appointed Practice Manager in 2018.

    Clare has a mad whippet called Fletcher who loves everyone, however his chasing instinct is rather strong and he is known to give the local squirrels their daily exercise!

  • Clare Whalley

    Clare Whalley

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    RVN
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    Dr Alan Redpath

    Veterinary Surgeon

    BVMS MRCVS

    Alan graduated from Glasgow University in 1999, and has been with us since 2015. He enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, both medical and surgical, and likes to build a great rapport with his clients and patients. He has a passion for football and golf, and spends much of his free time taking care of his dogs, Charlie and Dave.

  • Dr Tate Preston

    Dr Tate Preston

    Veterinary Surgeon

    MRCVS

    Tate graduated from Nottingham University in 2021, before joining our rotating graduate programme and becoming a fully-fledged member of the team in 2022. She has a particular interest in emergency and critical care, and is the chair and co-founder of Autism Dogs Charity. She has several dogs and cats of her own, and loves fitness and country music. 

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    Dr Lucy Graham

    Veterinary Surgeon

    Lucy graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2004, and has worked in small animal practice ever since. She joined the Willows team in 2013, and completed her post-graduate certificate in small animal medicine in 2020. Outside of work, she enjoys playing tennis, dancing and taking care of her dog, cat and tortoise.

  • Dr Poli Boynova

    Dr Poli Boynova

    Veterinary Surgeon

    MRCVS

    Poli joined us after graduating from Nottingham University in 2020. She has a keen interest in surgery, and visited a spay and neuter clinic in Thailand with the World Veterinary Service in 2022. As one of our welfare champions, she organises events for our team throughout the year, and spends much of her free time dancing, playing tennis and eating out.

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    Dr Rebecca Blagg

    Veterinary Surgeon

    Rebecca grew up in Chester and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019. She joined us two years later, and has an interest in emergency and critical care, which she is currently completing a certificate in. In her own time, she enjoys walking her dog in Wales and the Peak District, cooking and going out for nice meals.

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    Jess Luby

    Veterinary Surgeon

    MRCVS

    After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College in 2019, Jess volunteered at a charity practice in Cyprus for four months, before working at a practice in Manchester for two years. She joined us in 2022, and enjoys walking her dog, Marley, in her spare time.

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    Reece Perry

    OOH Veterinary Surgeon

    MRCVS

    Reece graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2019, and has a passion for emergency and critical care. He is working towards an MSc in advanced clinical practice (veterinary) and an RCVS certificate in advanced veterinary practice, and spends much of his spare time hiking in the Peak District and running.

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    Dr Bruce Waddell

    Veterinary Surgeon

    BVMS MRCVS

    Bruce graduated from Glasgow University in 1996 and spent the next five years working in mixed practice in Suffolk. He then moved north to join the Willows Veterinary Group to start a new branch in Runcorn. Having built it up from scratch to a busy 2 man practice Bruce joined the Partnership of the group in 2010 and shortly after moved over to the Hospital in Hartford. Bruce enjoys working with a great team of vets, nurses and support staff alongside our specialist team. Bruce likes to think of himself as a bit of a generalist, liking the variety of general practice and the ability to do both medicine and surgery. As Bruce is married to an Equine Vet, he has quite a collection of pets at home including Lettie, a Tibetan terrier, Ceilidh, a rescue cocker spaniel and professional sock thief. Two cats called Seve and Yoshi, two guinea-pigs called Flossie and Bugsy and a shoal of goldfish all add to the collection. Not forgetting Dougal and Sparky – a Shetland pony and Irish Sports Horse.

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    Dr Lorna Pateleros

    Veterinary Surgeon

    MRCVS

    Lorna graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2003. After four years working in mixed practice, she joined our team in 2007. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine, especially getting to expand her knowledge and skillset. She has three rescue cats and two tortoises, and likes competing in ultramarathons and spending time with friends and family.

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    Dr Julia Smith

    Veterinary Surgeon

    BVSc MA(Oxon) MRCVS

    Julia holds degrees in biochemistry and veterinary science from Oxford University and Bristol University respectively, and joined our team in 1995. She has a passion for feline medicine, and runs our dedicated cat clinic. She has three cats of her own, and loves curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.

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    Dr Sarah Riley

    Veterinary Surgeon

    Sarah graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and worked with us for a year before moving to Hong Kong to work with the SPCA at a busy hospital in Wan Chai. She rejoined our team in 2018, and has two dogs called Bertie and Bess and a cat called Miguel.

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    Dr Stephen Flynn

    Veterinary Surgeon

    MRCVS

    Stephen graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1992, and is a proud and experienced generalist. He has been part of our hospital team since 2019, and when he’s not being dragged up a Welsh hill by his dog, Zara, he enjoys playing a multitude of sports and following the fortunes of Liverpool FC.

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    Dr Emily Guest

    Veterinary Surgeon

    MRCVS

    Emily grew up in the local area, and completed holiday placements with us before studying at the University of Cambridge. She joined our practice in 2018, and has a keen interest in small animal medicine and cardiology. She has a cat called Craig, and enjoys playing golf and windsurfing on the beach in her free time.

  • Dr Andy Leigh

    Dr Andy Leigh

    Veterinary Surgeon

    MRCVS

    Andy graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2019. He has a keen interest in surgical cases, with a slight bias towards orthopaedic procedures, and is currently undertaking a surgical certificate in order to further advance his skills. When he’s not working or taking care of his daughter and his dog, he keeps busy with home and DIY projects.

  • Laura Jackson

    Laura Jackson

    Head Nurse

    RVN Dip AVN

    After qualifying as a registered veterinary nurse in 2009, Laura completed her advanced nursing diploma and lectured in veterinary nursing at a local college. She joined us as auxiliary head nurse in 2021, and spends much of her free time looking after her two children and her dog, Macey, and doing CrossFit training. 

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    Beth Taylor

    Head Nurse

    BSc (Hons) RVN HE CVN Dip AVN

    Beth qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2014 and completed her advanced nursing diploma three years later. After working in a referral practice for eight years, she made the decision to return to first opinion work as our clinical head nurse. She has a passion for anaesthesia, which she is currently completing a certificate in, and enjoys keeping fit, looking after her pets and riding her horse.

  • Andrea Lyons

    Andrea Lyons

    Stock Controller

    Andrea joined our practice in 2004, and qualified as a registered veterinary nurse and achieved her advanced nursing diplomas a few years later. She worked at our Congelton and Alsager branches before transferring to our hospital team and taking on the role of stock controller in 2022. She has three bunnies at home, who get up to lots of mischief.

  • Pat Foxley

    Pat Foxley

    Stock Controller

    Pat qualified as a RANA (the forerunner to today’s RVN qualification) in 1982 at Hartford Hospital.

    She went on to become Head Nurse at Lymm and returned to hartford in 1985 as Head Nurse.

    Following a family break Pat came back to Hartford as an evening receptionist and then evening nurse whilst taking on stock control duties when required.

    A couple of years later the pat took on the permanent role of Stock Controller at the hospital. She is responsible for all the stock and purchasing for Willows Veterinary Hospital and Oakwood Veterinary Referrals and provides support for the Group Stock Controller and other practices across the group.

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    Claire White

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Claire Qualified from Myerscough College in 2002 and has worked for The Willows since 2003.

    At home, Claire has a gorgeous dog called Jerry.

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    Laura Webb

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Laura graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2021, and has a keen interest in lab work. As a clinical coach, she enjoys teaching our nursing students, and she has three dogs called Dennis, Arlo and Bruno. Her favourite hobbies include baking, reading and spending time walking her dogs.

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    Jennie Ward

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Jenny graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2015, and joined our team a few years later. She has since completed a course in pet health counselling and a nurse’s certificate in behaviour, and has a keen interest in preventative healthcare. Outside of work, she has a small herd of pedigree cattle, a dog called Pippa and a cat called George.

  • Hannah Grovenor

    Hannah Grovenor

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

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    Leanne Smart

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Leanne qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2011, and has been part of the Willows since 2019. She has a particular interest in oncology and small furries, and has completed a certificate in nursing of small mammals and additional studies in oncology. She has two dogs called Skye and Reggie, and loves anything related to Disney or Harry Potter.

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    Clare Hitch

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Clare graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2015, and has a keen interest in feline medicine – she helped our practice achieve gold standard in ISFM cat friendly status. She has a certificate in feline nursing and medicine, and has a cat of her own called Astrid.

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    Rachel Wahid

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Rachel joined our team in 2015, and qualified as a registered veterinary nurse four years later, before becoming our deputy head nurse in 2020. She has a keen interest in emergency work and inpatient care, and has recently undertaken a course in ultrasonography. In her own time, she enjoys walking and visiting new places.

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    Liz O’Neil

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

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    Cathy Smith

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

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    Alexander Slater

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Alex has a BSc(Hons) and an MSc in Forensic Science. Alex started at Willows Veterinary Hospital as an Auxiliary Night Nurse in 2014. He has a keen interest in canine and feline medicine. In his spare time, he helps out where he can with wildlife rehabilitation at the local RSPCA Wildlife Hospital. Alex shares his house with 8 rescues – 2 Border Collies, an Australian Kelpie and 5 cats.

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    Sam Buckley

    Registered Veterinary Nurse (Inpatient Care Nurse)

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    Chloe Walton

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Chloe has been part of the Willows team since 2019, starting as an auxiliary before becoming a student veterinary nurse and a qualified veterinary nurse. She has a particular passion for inpatient care, laboratory work and imaging, and enjoys spending her free time walking her dogs and riding her two horses.

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    Rebecca Adams

    Registered Veterinary Nurse

    Becky joined us shortly after graduating from Harper Adams University in 2023 with a degree in veterinary nursing and companion animal behaviour. She enjoys anaesthesia and looking after patients during procedures, and has a dog called Meeka, who she has trained to do agility and tricks. In her free time, she likes to go ice skating and practice pilates.

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    Emily Hampton

    Student Veterinary Nurse

    Emily studied biology at Lancaster University and has a diploma in veterinary physiotherapy. She joined us as a student veterinary nurse in 2020. She has a keen interest in anaesthesia and post-operative recovery of orthopaedic patients, and enjoys cycling, hiking, camping and travelling to new countries.

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    Georgia Mann

    Student Veterinary Nurse

    Georgia loves all animals and has a crazy border terrier.

  • Kate Lomas

    Kate Lomas

    Student Veterinary Nurse

    Kate is one of our Student Veterinary Nurses. She started her career with us as a receptionist, before deciding she wanted to pursue a clinical role.  In the past, Kate has explored many countries, lived in the Middle East and New Zealand. In her spare time she loves to have adventures with Pepper, her King Charles Spaniel, she also has two cats named Neville and Tilly.  

  • Eve Smith

    Eve Smith

    Student Veterinary Nurse

    Eve joined the team in 2020, and began her nursing training a few years later. She enjoys all aspects of her role, but has a particular interest in anaesthesia and emergency care. When she’s not working, she’s kept busy with her dogs, chickens and budgies, and enjoys catching up with friends and family.

  • Hayley Griffiths

    Hayley Griffiths

    Auxiliary Nurse

  • Rosie Gaytor

    Rosie Gaytor

    Auxiliary Nurse

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    Heather Armitage

    Student Vet Nurse

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    Barbara Wright

    Auxiliary Veterinary Nurse

    After a long career in the equestrian industry, Barbara joined our team in 2021. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, horse riding, skiing and walking her dog, Ozzy.

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    Ella Simpson

    Auxiliary Nurse

  • Georgia Smith

    Georgia Smith

    Auxiliary Veterinary Nurse

    Georgia joined the Willows team in 2023, and studied animal management at Reaseheath College. In her spare time, she enjoys taking care of her five dogs.

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    Courtney Simpson

    Auxiliary Veterinary Nurse

    Courtney has been an auxiliary nurse since 2020, and is keen to pursue a career as a registered veterinary nurse in the future. She joined our hospital team in 2023, and has two dogs called Lulu and Toto and a horse called Friday. On her days off, she likes to compete, go to the gym and walk her dogs.

  • Nikki Harwood

    Nikki Harwood

    Night Animal Care Assistant

  • Ellen Jump

    Ellen Jump

    Lab Technician

  • Georgia Brassington

    Georgia Brassington

    Lab Technician

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    Cerys Dickinson

    Head Receptionist

    Cerys joined the Willows Veterinary Hospital in 2018 following a long career in education, information, and client care . She has a BSC (Hons) in Information Management and Certificate in Veterinary Reception. Cerys is passionate about animals and committed to providing outstanding care to our clients and their pets; continually seeking to improve the front of house services and in supporting the wider team. Outside of work, Cerys shares her family home with her beloved rescue dog Teddy and enjoys spending her spare time walking, baking, and catching up with her grandchildren.

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    Nikita Grant

    Receptionist

    Nikita joined the hospital in 2020 following a varied career. Nikita has Level 3 qualifications in Canine Communication & Behaviour and in Dog grooming and an ONC in Canine First Aid along with a degree in Film Studies from the University of Kent. She has a Welsh Collie called Indiana, after Indiana Jones and little whippet Twiglet who keep her very busy outside of work. Nikita grew up in a pet loving family and has owned cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, and goldfish She enjoys anything to do with crafting and is a skilled pet portrait artist. 

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    Debbie Taylor

    Receptionist

    Debbie joined the hospital team in 2010. She has a particular interest in dog behaviour and is qualified and experienced in puppy socialisation and training. Debbie owns French Bulldog Chloe and newest addition to the family, Sophie,  a lovely cocker spaniel.  In Debbie's spare time, she is very active with training and activity classes with her lively pair. She also has two rescue rabbits called William and Kate.

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    Rebecca Ingram

    Receptionist

    Becky has achieved her British Veterinary Receptionist Association bronze award.

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    Jane Perrin

    Receptionist

    Jane previously worked in retail for over 30 years before joining the reception team in 2019. She enjoys looking after clients and providing exceptional customer care. Sharing her home with beautiful Olive the spaniel, she has also got a cat called Dave, who is a brilliant hunter and often leaves her ‘presents’ on the doorstep. 

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    Jane Miller

    Receptionist

    Jane joined the team at Hartford in January 2021 bringing with her multiple years’ experience in customer service. Jane loves the varied role of a veterinary receptionist particularly in the fast-paced hospital environment working alongside an amazing team. She loves meeting all the new patients, from puppies and kittens to all the other pets who visit the practice. In Jane's spare time, she loves going for long walks with her three dogs.

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    Elaine Goulborn

    Receptionist

    Elaine worked in the administration and the customer care field for many years prior to joining the team in 2013. She spends her spare time helping to look after and rehome unwanted, unloved, and abandoned cats. Weekends will also find Elaine enjoying time on her boat with family and friends. 

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    Susan Gaunt

    Receptionist

    Sue joined the team in September 2022 following many years in working in the travel industry. She is so pleased to start  a new chapter as part of the reception team, loving her varied work and feels the time flies by each day!  Sue enjoys working with her supportive colleagues and as an animal lover herself, appreciates the love and empathy for all animals and clients shared by the team.  Sue grew up with Labradors and now has a rescue Shih Tzu called Nora giving her the runaround. She also shares her home with Dotty the rabbit, Benny, Teddy, Oreo and George the Guinea pigs, Syrian hamsters called Biscuit and Fluffy and not forgetting the two fish! 

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    Christine Alcock

    Receptionist

    Christine joined the receptionist team in September 2022 after working for many years in customer service and she has obtained the Competent Vet Dispenser qualification and the Bronze level of the Accredited Veterinary Receptionist award (BVRA). In her spare time she enjoys doing crafts, gardening and spending time with her family and her diabetic dog, Rusty. She currently has a canary called Fawkes and the family has a hamster called Pyro. Over the years she has had many pets from Axolotls to Zebra finches.

  • Clare Tower

    Clare Tower

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    Jane

    Receptionist

    Jane joined the hospital team at Hartford in 2016 after working in a previous veterinary receptionist role at another practice. She shares her home with her lovely dog and enjoys country walks.

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    Molly Antoniak

    Receptionist

    Molly joined the Willows team in September 2023 bringing with her 9 years of customer service experience. She enjoys the fast pace of the practice and the daily cuddles; Molly loves every moment of her job. Milo the Jack-Tzu and little Peanut the Miniature Dachshund are the light of her life, keeping her on her toes and thoroughly entertained. With a real passion for music, when not working, Molly can be found at local pubs and venues performing with her dad & brother.

  • Abigail Wills

    Abigail Wills

    Animal Care Assistant

  • Emily Ong

    Emily Ong

    RVN