Helen Matyear
Registered Veterinary Nurse
RVN
Helen began her journey with Langford Vets in 2013, starting out as an Animal Care Assistant in the Small Animal Hospital. Her passion for animal care quickly grew, and she soon moved over to Langford Vet Practice to begin her nurse training. In 2018, she proudly qualified and registered as a Veterinary Nurse. She spent several years in the first opinion practice, building her skills and confidence, before moving into the Small Animal Hospital where she worked closely with surgical and neurology patients.
In 2021, Helen followed her passion for rehabilitation and completed her Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy. She then joined a dedicated rehab clinic, helping pets regain strength and mobility after surgery. Even while working elsewhere, she stayed connected to Langford, regularly picking up nursing shifts across both the hospital and practice.
Late 2025, Helen decided to return to Langford part-time, combining her love for hands-on nursing with her external rehab work. She has a soft spot for senior pets, enjoys being involved in surgical care, and is always excited to support patients on their road to recovery.
Related Members
James Allsop
Clinical Lead - Langford Vet Practice
James Allsop
Clinical Lead - Langford Vet Practice
BVSc MRCVS GPCert(FelP)
James graduated from Liverpool and started his career in Newport South Wales where he worked for several years, eventually becoming a director of the practice in 2007. In 2011 he decided to take a position with the Langford Vet Practice, where he hopes to be able to pass on to the students some of the skills that he has developed.
Since 2011 James has been appointed Clinical Lead, a role in which he is responsible for the clinical performance and standards of the practice team. During that period he has worked with the practice manager and head nurse to improve the practice's focus on client and patient care and to maintain consistently high standards whilst continuing to provide education to the students training within the practice.
James has always had an interest in cats and completed the ESVPS Feline Practice Certificate in 2005 where he learnt a lot about the different illnesses that cats get and how best to look after them.
Clinical Lead - Langford Vet Practice
James Allsop
Clinical Lead - Langford Vet Practice
BVSc MRCVS GPCert(FelP)
James graduated from Liverpool and started his career in Newport South Wales where he worked for several years, eventually becoming a director of the practice in 2007. In 2011 he decided to take a position with the Langford Vet Practice, where he hopes to be able to pass on to the students some of the skills that he has developed.
Since 2011 James has been appointed Clinical Lead, a role in which he is responsible for the clinical performance and standards of the practice team. During that period he has worked with the practice manager and head nurse to improve the practice's focus on client and patient care and to maintain consistently high standards whilst continuing to provide education to the students training within the practice.
James has always had an interest in cats and completed the ESVPS Feline Practice Certificate in 2005 where he learnt a lot about the different illnesses that cats get and how best to look after them.
Shelley Monks
Langford Vet Practice Manager
Shelley Monks
Langford Vet Practice Manager
BSc CVLM
Langford Vet Practice Manager
Shelley Monks
Langford Vet Practice Manager
BSc CVLM
Clare Thursby
Area Lead Langford Vet Practice
Clare Thursby
Area Lead Langford Vet Practice
BVSc MRCVS
Clare qualified from Bristol in 1998, shen then worked in mixed practice for 3.5 years before moving to the RVC's Beaumont Sainsbury's Animal Hospital. Here worked as a general practitioner and taught London's final year veterinary students for 10 years.
She then relocated to the South West and coordinated our busy CPD programme. Clare now works as a Veterinary Surgeon in our Small Animal Practice.
Area Lead Langford Vet Practice
Clare Thursby
Area Lead Langford Vet Practice
BVSc MRCVS
Clare qualified from Bristol in 1998, shen then worked in mixed practice for 3.5 years before moving to the RVC's Beaumont Sainsbury's Animal Hospital. Here worked as a general practitioner and taught London's final year veterinary students for 10 years.
She then relocated to the South West and coordinated our busy CPD programme. Clare now works as a Veterinary Surgeon in our Small Animal Practice.
Colin Blakey
Clinical Associate in First Opinion Practice
Colin Blakey
Clinical Associate in First Opinion Practice
BVetMed MRCVS
Colin has been working in general small animal practice since 1993, with a special interest in exotic animal medicine. He qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London, having spent the last part of his course studying with the veterinary department at the Zoological Society of London.
He then spent four years working in a mixed animal practice in Essex, gaining general experience but also building up expertise with the more exotic species when ever the opportunity arose. This was followed by time working for an avian and exotic veterinary centre in Berkshire before moving to Nailsea where he established an exotic clinic alongside his other clinical work.
Colin moved to the Small Animal Practice at Langford in July 2006 with the remit to expand the exotic case load increasing the exposure of the students to the more unusual species that are becoming increasingly common.
Clinical Associate in First Opinion Practice
Colin Blakey
Clinical Associate in First Opinion Practice
BVetMed MRCVS
Colin has been working in general small animal practice since 1993, with a special interest in exotic animal medicine. He qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London, having spent the last part of his course studying with the veterinary department at the Zoological Society of London.
He then spent four years working in a mixed animal practice in Essex, gaining general experience but also building up expertise with the more exotic species when ever the opportunity arose. This was followed by time working for an avian and exotic veterinary centre in Berkshire before moving to Nailsea where he established an exotic clinic alongside his other clinical work.
Colin moved to the Small Animal Practice at Langford in July 2006 with the remit to expand the exotic case load increasing the exposure of the students to the more unusual species that are becoming increasingly common.