Our Team
Jean-Benoit Lefebvre MVDr DipECVS MRCVS
European Specialist in Veterinary Surgery and Founder of Gainsborough Referrals
My name is Jean-Benoit, but everyone calls me JB. I graduated in 2002 from the university of Liege in Belgium. After working in general practice for a few years, I realised that I wanted to concentrate on surgery only so I started my training with an internship at the university of Liege. This was followed by a 3-year residency program at the Animal Health Trust and at the University of Cambridge. I qualified as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery in 2009. After this, I worked as an independent consultant but my dream was to open my own practice and I founded Gainsborough Referrals (formerly Lincolnshire Veterinary Specialists) in 2024. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and outdoors, fishing, hiking and sailing.
John graduated from the University of Bristol in 2007. He completed a rotating internship and residency in neurology at the University of Cambridge, where he and JB first met. John was awarded the European Diploma in Veterinary Neurology in 2011. He stayed at the University of Cambridge to study a PhD in clinical neuroscience before leaving to work in private practice in 2016. John was head of the Neurology Service at Hamilton Specialist Referrals before joining us at Gainsborough Referrals in January 2025. John is very dedicated to the care of his patients but, on the rare occasions that he is not working, John loves travelling, food, architecture and art.
John Parker BVSc BSc FLS DipECVN MRCVS
Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology
Helen Simm DipRVN
Senior Veterinary Nurse
My name is Helen. I am a registered veterinary nurse here at Gainsborough Referrals and I have worked with JB from the inception of the referral practice in May 2024, supporting him in getting the new referral practice started. Before that I worked in first opinion, but I always knew my passion was to become a referral nurse.
Outside of work, I love getting out into the countryside, whether that is into the lakes or something more local.
I also love to spend as much time as I can with my two nieces.
Rachael Pugsley
Practice Manager
I started my working career with Midland Bank, working my way up from cheque book clerk to Branch Manager. I then decided on my first career change and became Practice Manager for a GP practice, looking after four GPs. After that, I went into dental, working for Bupa Dental Care and running a couple of their practices in Market Rasen and Brigg. The opportunity then came up for me to support JB and the team in Gainsborough Referrals and learn about veterinary life. I have hopefully risen to the challenge, and I have particularly enjoyed meeting all the fabulous owners and their lovely pets.
Sian Bontoft DipRVN
Veterinary Nurse
Hi, my name is Sian. I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and I studied at The College of Animal Welfare in Leeds and qualified in June 2024.
I have always had a love for all animals which is why I decided to pursue this career! I love my job and enjoy all aspects of being a veterinary nurse from anaesthetic and theatre work to internal medicine. I’m passionate about making sure every animal receives the best possible care.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my own animals. I’m kept very busy looking after my horses, where I enjoy everything from taking them competing to leisurely hacks with friends. You’ll also find me with my cats, including my most recent addition, who I adopted from the Cats Protection.
Shannon Murdoch DipRVN
Veterinary Nurse
Hello! My name is Shannon. I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and I attended Askham Bryan College and completed a Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2021.
I enjoy all aspects of the job but have a keen interest in internal medicine, Anaesthesia and ECC, making sure all the animals receive the best care
I have four cats Benito, Pablo, Cleopatra and Leonardo. I also have an Indian Ringneck Parrot called Maui.
In my spare time I like the occasional retail therapy and spending quality time with my family and pets.
