The vets at Sanderson Vet have a combined experience of over 150 years in practice. Their combined experience, and synergistic interests, provide a dedicated 24/7 service to the clients of the Wirral and North-West of England. Many of the team have additional qualifications, or are studying for them, making them one of the most dynamic and up-to-date teams around. With access to the very highest levels of equipment, such as on-site CT scanning, the vets have all the tools to treat your pets like they would their own.
As an independent practice the vets work freely to focus on providing their clients with unrivalled veterinary expertise.
Our Vets

Abigail
Abigail graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2024. She is an avid netball player and was part of the University swimming team. She has also ran the Robin Hood half marathon 3 times for charity. Having lived abroad in the Middle East for 12 years she is excited to be part of an independent practice in the North West and to working in such a great team.

Antonio
Antonio graduated from Trakia University, Bulgaria in 2014. He has worked in the UK since 2017 spending a year in Warwickshire and 4 years in Yorkshire prior to relocating to the North West. He has a particular interest in developing his orthopaedic surgery skills. Outside of work he has a collection of exotic animals such as snakes and spiders, and can offer consultations in Bulgarian, if required.

Lucia
Lucia graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2016. She is a vetGDP Supervisor for mentoring new graduates and an OV (Official Veterinarian) for issuing of travel documentation. Until joining Sanderson Vet she worked in North Wales and prides herself on providing compassionate veterinary care and building relationships with clients. Outside of work she enjoys hiking and camping and is an avid traveller having visited every continent on Earth!

Richard
Richard founded the practice in 2016 after graduating from the University of Liverpool in 2009. An RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner with a CertAVP in Small Animal Practice, he is an OV66 authorised Official Veterinarian. He is RECOVER CPR certified, BARATA trained and holds a Graduate Diploma in Law. Richard is also a BOAS Assessor, Fear-Free Certified Professional, Rabbit Advocate, VetGDP Supervisor and Clinical Coach, currently completing advanced surgical certificates.

Rui
Rui graduated from Lisbon University in 2017, completing an externship at Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. He holds a GP Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging and has a particular interest in non-invasive diagnostic approaches. An Official Veterinarian, he issues travel documentation and is a VetGDP Supervisor, mentoring new graduates. After five years practising in Wales, Rui joined the team, keen to be part of an independent practice.

Tom
Tom graduated in 2021 from James Cook University initially working in mixed practice before completing a rotating internship at an Australian specialist Hospital where he discovered his love of emergency medicine and surgery. Always keen to learn more Tom is currently studying a for his CertAVP in Emergency and Critical Care. Outside of work Tom enjoys travel, hiking and all things in the sun (when he sees it not working nights).
Our Consultant Vets
Jon
Mark
RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Cardiology
Mark graduated in 1990 from Glasgow University. He was a director in a first opinion practice for many years before deciding to focus entirely on imaging. He gained an ESVPS certificate in Cardiology in 2010 and a PgC in Small Animal Cardiology in 2017. In-between his regular clinics he regularly travels across the UK providing training courses on ultrasound scanning.
Rebecca
RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Rebecca graduated in 1994 from Cambridge University, and is an RCVS Specialist in Internal Medicine. She completed an internship and Ph.D at the RVC, London before completing her residency and diploma studies at Davies. She has spoken nationally and internationally and is a published scholar, and is recognised as an expert authority on gastrointestinal disease
Tom
RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery
Tom graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2004. He is an RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner, in recognition of his particular skills in surgery. After partnerships in 2 large referral hospitals, he decided to focus entirely on surgery and runs our lameness and neurosurgery clinics. He has a national reputation in musculoskeletal and orthopaedic disease and is one of the most experienced surgeons in his field.
Valentina
DVM MRCVS
Valentina graduated from the University of Bologna (Italy) in 2015. After working for a few months in Italy, she moved to the UK and began working in general practice. She volunteered in charity clinics in Malta and Thailand. She developed a special interest in soft tissue surgery and dental procedures, which led her to do a Dentistry and Oral Surgery Internship at The Ralph Veterinary Referral in 2022, followed by a Residency, which she completed in July 2025.
Our Nurses
With a combined experience of over 100 years, our nursing team is one of the most capable assembled in the UK. With synergistic interests and key skills, the team works to deliver the highest standards of veterinary nursing care around the clock, assisted by a dedicated team of animal care assistants. Many of the team members are studying towards, or holders of, additional training in nursing and whilst they all have areas of expertise, they all share one common goal: to achieve excellent patient care.

Cathryn
Cathryn graduated in 2016 from Bottle Green and relocated to the Wirral after working in a large referral hospital in the East Midlands. She is currently studying for her certificate in Transfusion Medicine. Her interests include inpatient care. Her hobbies include walking her dog and following the Leicester Tigers.

Chloe
Chloe graduated in 2024 from Wrexham University as a Veterinary Nurse, having completed her initial Animal Care Training course at Glynllifon College. A true all rounder, Chloe enjoys all aspects of nursing and is equally comfortable consulting or looking after critically ill patients. Outside of work Chloe enjoys rock climbing.

Diana
As one of our veterinary nurses, Diana is often the friendly face helping to put both pets and their owners at ease. From assisting in procedures to offering advice on day-to-day care, she brings a gentle, attentive approach to everything she does.

Hannah
Hannah graduated in 2018 from ProCo. She is a Clinical Coach for training new Veterinary Nurses and is our lead consulting nurse. Her main interests are in consulting and dentistry. Outside of work her main interests are gardening and dog walking.

Jessica
Jessica qualified at CVTC in 2022, having completed her Animal Care Course at Reaseheath College in 2012. Jessica has a wealth of experience across referral and GP practice priding herself on having the skills that can be transferred between clinical disciplines. She is an SQP meaning she has been trained and registered to prescribe certain medicines. She is trained in Mental Health First Aid. Her hobbies are reading, writing and gaming.

Leanne
Leanne graduated in 2018 from Middlesex University and holds the Nursing Certificate in Medical Nursing. She is a Clinical Coach for Nurse Training. Her passion is providing veterinary care to the highest standards and as such loves the Sanderson Vet ethos. She is a keen rugby player and is often seen running down the wing on her time off!

Madie
Feline Advocate
Madie graduated in 2023 from Harper Adams University College. Her clinical interests focus on inpatient care and her dissertation was on vaccination for canine parvovirus in the UK. Hobbies include hiking and beach walking.

Nicki
Nicki graduated in 2012 from Lite College. She is one of our dedicated emergency night care team. She has considerable experience in 24-hour care which has given her a wealth of experience in managing critical and emergency cases. She takes a special interest in inpatient care.

Sarah H
Sarah graduated in 2014 from Myerscough College. Sarah worked for one of the largest multi-disciplinary referral hospitals in the Midlands prior to a spell working in Scotland. Sarah has a Certificate in Anaesthesia, and holds an interest in Emergency Care. She is a RECOVER certified CPR-nurse. Her hobbies include long walks and horse riding.

Sarah J
Sarah qualified in 2017 from Reaseheath College. She completed her FDSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at The University of Chester (2013) and Animal Management Diploma (2011), also from Reaseheath College. She has worked in GP practice throughout her career and her main areas of interest are nurse clinics and supporting patients with behavioural needs and enjoys implementing nursing care plans. Her hobbies include reading, baking and music as well as following Liverpool FC.

Taygan
Taygan graduated in 2022 from Myerscough College. Taygan is the lead nurse of our schedule 3 procedure team and is able to offer surgery such as lump removals and digit/tail amputations. She also has an interest in pathology (the lab) and enjoys furthering clinical knowledge by looking at cytology (cells down a microscope). In her spare time she enjoys running, rock climbing and playing netball.
Support Team

Chris
Chris joined the team in 2018. He completed his Animal Care Assistant course at Myerscough College, before becoming department manager. His favourite parts of the job are supporting his team and inpatient care. Outside of work his hobbies are DIY and spending family time with his 2 daughters.

Eve
Eve returned to the practice after a career break in 2026, having previously worked for us as a Veterinary Receptionist when we first opened. Eve enjoys helping clients with their enquiries and ensuring that trips to the vet are less stressful, building longstanding relationships with customers and their pets.

Ffion
Ffion joined the team in 2022 having completed her Animal Care course at Northop College. She enjoys outdoor activities such as long walks and spending time at the beach, ideally in warmer climates than her Welsh home. As the proud owner of Bob the Tortoise Ffion particularly enjoys seeing the exotic animals come into the clinic.

Kayleigh
BVRA Bronze Award
Kayleigh joined the family in 2021 initially as an animal care assistant. She then became a receptionist before becoming the Patient Care Advisor Manager. She has completed her BVRA training and also been trained in Compassion Understood. Her favourite part of the job is supporting her colleague’s growth and meeting and helping all our clients and their pets. Outside of work she enjoys walking her dogs as well as socialising with friends and family.

Helen
BVRA Bronze Award
Helen joined the team in 2024. She has passed her Compassion Understood training, which gives her the tools to support clients as well as possible. Her favourite part of the job is helping clients and their pets over the telephone, as a first point of contact for clients. Outside of work her hobbies are gardening and training her German Shepherd Rescue Dog.

Meg
Meg has been part of the team since 2021. She completed her Animal Care Assistant course at Myerscough College in 2023. Her favourite parts of the journey include imaging, inpatient care and lab work. Outside of work she enjoys playing and snuggling up with her cat and dog, even more so with a good book.

Lily
Lily re-joined the team in 2024, having previously worked for us for 2 years from 2021. She has completed her Compassion Understood training. Her favourite part of the job is meeting and greeting the pets and seeing patients getting better after treatment. Outside of work her hobbies are dog walking, running and painting.

Liv
Liv joined the team in 2022 and has completed her Compassion Understood training, in order to help improve your customer experience. Her favourite part of the job is talking to all of our clients and greeting all their pets. She is most often found spending time with friends and family outside of work and loves a good nap!

Thais
Thais graduated from University of Brasilia (Brazil) in 2017. She has worked as a small animal veterinarian there for 8 years prior to moving to the UK. She spent the last 5 years working as a feline only vet and has a specialisation degree on it. Her hobbies include traveling, passing time with her family and cats, reading and gaming. She joined us in 2026 as our Veterinary Pharmacist.
Administration

Julie
Julie joined Sanderson Vet in 2023 in the role as financial controller, having spent over 40 years in accountancy for a private Chartered Accountants practice where she gained knowledge and experience of accountancy, audit, tax and the skills required to run a business’s accounting systems. Her hobbies are walking especially with her Golden Retriever dog Jacob. Julie is married with two sons.

Leah
Leah qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2019 and has since worked in a variety of practices across Liverpool, gaining broad clinical experience. For the past three years, Leah has been a nurse throughout the North West, which has allowed her to develop adaptability, communication skills, and strong relationships within the veterinary community.

Mark
Mark spent a career in buying for a large stationary company prior to joining the family at the beginning of 2021 as a receptionist. His skills became immediately apparent, and he soon became our Veterinary Pharmacy Manager. He is a VetPol qualified Veterinary Pharmacy Manager. His favourite part of the job is seeing the pharmacy stocked with medications to help of patients get well again and takes huge pride in ensuring the pharmacy is well managed. Outside of work he is a committed gamer. He also enjoys playing his guitar.

Sara
Sara has worked for Sanderson Vet since it opened, and graduated in 2021 from Myerscough College, Preston having trained in the practice. Her clinical interests are in surgical nursing, and she is studying for her certificate in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, and is a RECOVER certified CPR-nurse. She is part of our dedicated advanced imaging nursing team. Her hobbies include dog walking and hiking mountains.

Sarah
Sarah joined the team in 2021, initially as a Reception Manager. She has worked in the veterinary world for 25 years having started at a small independent practice in 2000. She has been involved in the set up of a large multi-disciplinary veterinary hospital. As a ’numbers-nerd’ she enjoys working on insurance claims and making the claims process as efficient as possible. She owns a Belgian Shepherd cross Malinois called Scar, though is convinced he may be part horse.

Steve
Steve joined the team in 2023 and brings a wealth of business management and growth experience. A retired helicopter pilot Steve has previously founded, managed and grown several businesses mainly within the private aviation markets. His non-clinical input to the practice is refreshing and inspirational. His hobbies include travel, sport and music and Steves favourite band is Ezio.





