Meet the Team

Our Vets

Stephen J Hudson

BVSc MRCVS

Qualified from Bristol University in 1987

Stephen is the founder of Grace Lane vets and one of the two partners. His veterinary interest lies in farm animal and equine work and he spends most of his time out on the road. Stephen is an amateur bee keeper and produces his own heather honey. He also enjoys taking his two Labradors out beating on the grouse moors and playing squash in his spare time.

John J Whitwell

BVM&S MRCVS

Qualified from Edinburgh University in 2002

John is one of the two partners, he is a local lad and grew up on a sheep farm outside Whitby. His main area of interest is small animal surgery with a particular interest in orthopaedics, having completed the TTA rapid course for cruciate ligament injuries. However, you will still occasionally see him out on farms doing the odd cow caesarean! He has a wealth of experience having worked at a number of practices over the years including an 18 month spell working out in Hong Kong. In his spare time he enjoys sea fishing from Whitby harbour, playing squash and spending time with his family.

Rebecca E Whitwell

BVM&S MRCVS

Qualified from Edinburgh University in 2013

Becky is one of our senior veterinary surgeons and has worked at Grace Lane Vets since graduating from Edinburgh in 2013. She has a keen interest in cattle fertility work and also enjoys small animal surgery. Outside of work Becky enjoys spending time with her two small children, fell running with her two Airedale Terriers and bike riding.

Sophie L Hopkins

BVetMed MRCVS

Qualified from The Royal Veterinary College in 2014

Sophie Hopkins qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 2014 and joined Grace Lane Vets in 2015 after seeing practice as a student. She loves the day to day variety of life both in the practice and out and about. When in the clinic she has a particular interest in medicine cases. Outside of work she loves plenty of fresh air with her Border Terrier Tilly and Horse Angel, and can be persuaded into the occasional gin and tonic!

Toby F O Smith

BVSc MRCVS

Qualified from Bristol University in 2019

Toby is originally from Kent but has always loved North Yorkshire when visiting family over the years. He spent many weeks with us in practice while studying at the University of Bristol and joined the team after graduating in 2019. Toby enjoys all aspects of the practice but has a particular interest in small animal surgery, so much so he is now studying for a certificate in it. In his spare time, he can often be seen running through the moors, chasing his young cocker spaniel Ralph!

Sophie Thurston

BVSc MRCVS

Qualified from Bristol University in 2019

Sophie joined us at Grace Lane Vets in 2020 after qualifying from Bristol University and then working in a mixed practice in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Sophie enjoys all aspects of mixed practice with an interest in ultrasound scanning. When Sophie is not at work she enjoys running around the beautiful countryside.

Amy Aitken

Veterinary Surgeon

Amy qualified from the University of Liverpool in July 2021 and Joined us soon after. Amy originates from Ayrshire in Scotland and is enjoying settling into Yorkshire life and meeting all of Grace Lane Vets clients. Whilst she enjoys all aspects of mixed practice Amy is looking forward to seeing where her interest develops. In her spare time, she enjoys running over the moors, catching up with friends or throwing herself into her music being an exceptional violinist.

Hannah Green

Veterinary Surgeon

Hannah joined us in July 2021 after graduating from the University of Liverpool. Hannah enjoys all aspects of practice, especially when it involves getting out exploring the countryside and meeting new people. In her free time Hannah enjoys riding Megan her horse, socialising with friends, horticulture and is a keen Darlington Football supporter.

Lizzy Crewe

BVSc MRCVS

Veterinary Surgeon

Lizzy joined Grace Lane Vets in January 2022, having worked in mixed practice in Northallerton since qualifying from Liverpool University in 2019. She particularly enjoys small animal surgery and lambing. Lizzy moved to Yorkshire for the opportunity to work in mixed practice and has loved exploring the Moors and Dales with her Labrador Wallace.When not out on farm, or tending to our small animals in clinic Lizzie loves nothing more than enjoying food and drinks with family and friends.

Our Nurses

Izzi Dwyer

Qualified from The College of Animal Welfare February 2022

Izzi has worked at Grace Lane Vets for 4 years as a nurse and qualified in 2022. Izzi loves looking after the inpatients, creating bonds and nursing and caring them back to full health. You will see more of Izzi as she starts holding her own nurse clinics, for weight management and parasitic health care, and of course as she discharges you pet back to you after they have spent the day with us. Outside of work Izzy is busy with her dogs and loves to spend time with sheep!