A former West Cumbrian pub is set to be transformed into a veterinary surgery.
The Distressed Sailor pub, in Hensingham, is now owned by Sophie Murphy and Lynn Veitch.
Together, they boast over two decades of industry experience.
Sophie has spent her whole life caring for animals and, coming from a local farming family, decided very early on she wanted to become a vet. Qualifying from Bristol Veterinary School in 2008, Sophie has worked in practices in Lancashire and Cumbria.
Sophie said: “I have gained a wealth of experience whilst working and living outside of Cumbria, however, I have always been keen to return home and couldn’t be more excited to be embarking on this venture here in Hensingham in a lovely heritage building, formerly the Distressed Sailor pub.”
Away from work, Sophie and her family enjoy muddy walks with their dogs around our home village of Gosforth.
Sophie welcomed her first child in 2011 and, thanks to family support; she was able to return to work, taking on the role of the lead veterinary surgeon in a start-up practice. A challenging and demanding time, during which she gained valuable insight into the preparations necessary to open and evolve a business.
“I’m firmly committed to delivering a friendly, professional service to the people of West Cumbria and their pets, with help from our motivated and supportive team.”
Brought up on a farm on the West Coast of Scotland, Lynn has also worked with and cared for animals all her life.
Her mother, a vet, inspired Lynn from a young age to treat and care for animals. Lynn studied at the University of Glasgow and has spent most of her veterinary career in Cumbria working in mixed veterinary practice. Outside of work Lynn is a keen mountain biker who has a love for the Cumbrian fells and a strong appreciation for the wild spaces the county offers close at hand.
To broaden her horizons, Lynn loosened her ties temporarily with Cumbria and sampled life working in several other UK vet practices, most recently in New Zealand.
“Working as a veterinary locum, in a diverse number of practices, has given me
the chance to be objective and identify just what clients and patients require and deserve from their vet,” said Lynn.
“This spell of independence has shaped my outlook and driven a hunger to create a veterinary practice of my own and I have cemented the instinct that West Cumbria is where I want to spend my career.
“I believe I’m sensitive to the needs of both clients and colleagues, and with my experience, drive and ambition I’m excited to contribute to this partnership with Sophie. We know what works, and together, Sophie and I will create something truly special.”
Building work is well underway and the pair hope to open The Vet Whitehaven in early spring 2022.
