Our Staff

Jim Hughes - Veterinary Director

Sue Webster - Veterinary Director

Richard Bruce - Veterinary Director

Caroline Haywood - Veterinary Surgeon

I qualified from The Royal Veterinary College, London in 2002 and, although living locally for over six years, I joined Blake Vets in August 2011. My special interests involve all aspects of canine and feline surgery and medicine. I have a General Practitioners Certificate in Small Animal Medicine and am currently undertaking the Royal College of Veterinary surgeons Certificate in Small Animal Practice. Outside of work I enjoy swimming, cycling and unning, preferably in that order and all in one session! I compete in local triathlons and am particularly fond of my carbon bike. I have a rescued German Shepherd Dog, Sheba, with an obsession for tennis balls and an unusual fear of cats.

Katherine Akerman - Veterinary Surgeon

I joined the veterinary team in 2011 with my two dogs, Finn and Moss. In my free time I enjoy agility training, riding my two horses and relaxing at home under a cat or two..

Rachel Whitear - Veterinary Surgeon

Bob Gore - Veterinary Surgeon

Rachel Watkins - Head Veterinary Nurse

I began my veterinary nurse training in 1988 at a practice in Weston-super-Mare and qualified two years later from Bicton College in Devon. I have worked in several different practices, and have been head nurse in three of them. I also spent four years at Bristol University where I helped train student vets and nurses. I am a qualified Pet Health Counsellor and have written a book chapter on preventative health care in cats. I live locally with my husband, John, and Lima, our cat with attitude!

Helen Bowditch - Registered Veterinary Nurse

I started working for Blake Vets in 2000 and I qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2004. Since then I have worked for the practice on and off between travelling and attending Harper Adams University where I gained a HND in Animal Management and Welfare. I have also locumed at different practices around the South of England and have volunteered for animal charities abroad. I live on a small holding with my husband, my two collies, Dave and Tess, and my three rescue cats, Fanny, Arthur and Martha. I enjoy horseriding, walking my dogs and travelling abroad.

Laura Fiander - Registered Veterinary Nurse

I joined Blake Vets in 2007 and completed my Veterinary Nurse qualification at Cannington College. I am curently Veterinary Nurse in charge of the Burnham on Sea branch practice. In my spare time I am a qualified Bio Sculpture Nail Technician. I also enjoy horse riding and up until last year I had my own horse which i competed upto Foxhunter BJSA.

Carla Willey - Registered Veterinary Nurse

I have worked in veterinary practice since 2004. I joined Blake vets in 2010, having qualified in 2008. I find my job very rewarding. I have a particular interest in surgery and anaesthesia. Out side of work, i enjoy looking after my 2 horses Merlin and Marley and my 4 JackRussell Terriers - Stig, Lola, Maddie and Lexi. I also enjoy socialising with my friends and going to the gym to try and keep fit. My yearly highlight is jetting off to my favourite destination - Turkey.

Alley Bereton - Registered Veterinary Nurse

I have worked as a veterinary nurse since 2002, gaining my qualification in 2008, and becoming a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) in 2009. I originally came to the practice as a locum in November 2010 and I wasn't allowed to leave! I have a lurcher called Spy, and outside of work I enjoy walks in the countryside, reading, craftwork and planning trips to overseas destinations to watch various motorsports.

Jade Temlett - Registered Veterinary Nurse

Ronnie Marsh - Student Veterinary Nurse

I joined Blake Vets in 2008 after completing a National Diploma in Animal Management. For the last two and a half years I have been studying towards becoming a qualifed veterinary nurse and I am currently in the process of taking my finals. At home I have two dogs, a cocker spaniel called Ebony and a blue merle border collie called Lottie, two cats called Charlie and Archie, and finally Buzz and Guz the budgies!! In my spare time I enjoy beach walks with the dogs, swimming, playing hockey and catching up with friends.

Jenny Sumpter - Student Veterinary Nurse

I have worked at Blake Veterinary Group for 3 years but before I started here, I gained an Honours Degree in Equine Science from Aberystwyth University. I am currently in my final year of my Veterinary Nursing Qualification at Cannington College. I live in Taunton with my retired racing Greyhound "Blue" (who everyone loves more than me!) and my hamster "Professor H". Both of my pets are rescued, as I have a habit of taking home waifs and strays! I'm looking forward to qualifying and hope to eventually do some work overseas.

Jackie Evans - Nursing Assistant

I have worked in veterinary practice for almost 15 years – the last 5 of which have been at Blake Vets. I own a Boxer dog named Roxy – who is a typical Boxer (as mad as a box of frogs!). I also have a Maine Coon cat, two moggies and a Flemish giant rabbit. I am married with 2 children. I am currently studying at Cannington College to gain the qualification of Veterinary Care Assistant. Eventually I would like to go on to study Veterinary Nursing. Having spent so long working in this area it would be wonderful to eventually get the qualification. I love my job and still feel privileged (even after all these years) to be able to help and care for sick and injured animals.

Julia Hill - Receptionist

Di Jones - Receptionist

Di lives at the foot of the Quantock Hills and enjoys country living and pursuits, having spent a large part of her working life with horses and on farms. When not at work she enjoys travelling, National Hunt racing, gardening and needlework. Due to work Di cannot give the time needed for her first love of working sheepdogs, so enjoys the company of a budgie instead!

Debbie Twine - Receptionist

I work as a receptionist mostly at the Bridgwater surgery although I do do some holiday and sickness cover for the Burnham-On-Sea surgery. At home I have a 3 yo black & white spaniel called Holly who loves long walks & curling up in front of the fire. I am also a qualified riding instructor & have competed in dressage sucessfully up to national level. When I'm not at work or walking Holly I love to swim, cook, read and grow my own vegetables but not all at the same time!

Lindsay Ripley - Receptionist

I have worked at Blake Vets for 9 years as a receptionist. I have four horses which I have showjumped at affiliated level. Also in my spare time I look after my two cats, two guinea pigs, hamster and son. I am a qualified tap dancing teacher. I enjoy skiing, growing vegetables and making my own jam and marmalade.