Having been brought up on a farm Alison has always had a keen interest in animals, their care, health and wellbeing. She has always had her own dogs and horses and has competed to international level eventing. She qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Liverpool University in 1981 and began her veterinary career in a busy mixed and equine practice in Leicestershire before coming home to Lancashire and opening this practice in Carnforth in 1984.

Initially the practice was mixed with a variety of farm animals, horses and pets being cared for. Over the years and with the help of like-minded veterinary surgeons and excellent support staff the practice has evolved into what it is today catering mainly for small animals and horses.

Outside of the practice other interests include her dogs and horses and enjoying the beautiful local countryside and its abundant wildlife. Alison is still involved in the family farm which breeds pedigree Charollais sheep and thoroughbred horses. Away days are usually to some of the Northern Racecourses to watch the homebred horses compete in hurdle and steeplechase races.

Alison has also spent time in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania and South Africa on safari and involved in wildlife veterinary work and has enjoyed some very varied experiences and amassed many photographs during that time.