About Us
Sarah Moffat
qualified 2002
VetMB, GPcertSAM, MRCVS
Where has Cherry Orchard Vets come from? A passion to create a modern independent Veterinary Practice to serve the communities in this wonderful area around Gallowstree Common.
I'm Sarah, I qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2002 having dreamt of being a vet since I was a small girl. I grew up locally (Wargrave and Twyford and went to the Piggott Schools) I've always had a love of animals and especially ponies. I spent my childhood and teens riding the fields, woods and bridle paths around Sonning Common. Some of you may know me from these early days but many of you will recognise me as a local vet. I have lived in Sonning Common with my husband, Ian for the past 15 years and we decided we wanted to open an independent vets in this wonderful community.
It has taken us a few years but the ideal site in Gallowstree Common became available and here we are bringing you a brand new veterinary practice to deliver a personal service to you and your pets. I love being a vet, it is a fantastically rewarding job, sometimes it can be a little challenging and you need to be a detective to get the answers, but most of all it's the relationships we build with our clients and their pets that make it all worthwhile. It is so important to me and the team to build long term relationships with you and your pets and have your best interests at the heart of what we do. Clinical and surgical expertise and knowledge are also key, so having an experienced and dedicated team is vital. We will make sure we have the time to explain diagnoses, discuss your options and the treatment choices available. We will listen and answer your questions or concerns and will support you in making the best treatment plan for your pet.
So why the name Cherry Orchard Vets? We did a bit of research and discovered historically Gallowstree Common had cherry orchards and harvested the fruits. Fresh cherries are my favourite, plus I love a cherry tree in full pink blossom, so it felt like the perfect fit.
Meet the Team
Friendly personal caring
I am excited to introduce our fantastic team. I cannot wait for you to meet them in person. At Cherry Orchard Vets you will always be welcomed with a smile. We are here to help you, we are all pet owners just like you and we love our animals.
Sarah Moffat
Veterinary Surgeon and Practice Owner
I graduated from Cambridge University in 2002, I chose to be a small animal vet and keep horses as a hobby. I completed further exams in small animal medicine and I'm a skilled and efficient surgeon, and I've always enjoyed training other vets and nurses. I spent 4 years doing emergency out of hours care (when our son Henry was a pre-schooler), but my real passion is getting to know my clients and their pets and develop long standing supportive relationships to deliver the best care.
We have two Labradors (Sabie and Kuza), two cats (Jasper and Marvin), 6 chickens, tropical fish and a retired horse (Peggy). I enjoy walking the dogs, cycling with Henry and the occasional horse ride.
Hannah Kelly
Veterinary Surgeon
I graduated from Bristol in 2021 and have worked in small animal practice since then. I have an interest in both canine medicine and emergency and critical care. I really enjoy the management of chronic cases as this allows me to get to know you and your pet better so that we can tailor any treatment and monitoring plans.
Outside of work I enjoy walks with my lovely, if a little nutty, springer spaniel Bess as well as running in the countryside. I love travelling and I'm always keen to explore new places so if you have any recommendations, let me know!
Hannah Storey
Veterinary Nurse
Hi I’m Hannah, I’m a registered veterinary nurse and have a keen interest in canine and feline behaviour as well as breeding and reproduction. I have five dogs, one ferret and two birds, and in my spare time I love hiking, canicross and spending time with my partner, son and dogs.
Lucy Tucker
Veterinary Nurse
Hi, I'm Lucy and I have been devoting my working life to animals since 2013. I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2017 and worked my way up to Head Nurse of an out of hours department in 2018. I held that position for 4 years.
I then had my little boy who became my tiny dictator and consumed my hours and so I decided to step down from my head nurse role and concentrate largely on him, my dogs, Eviee, Remy and Rolo and my horses, Zazu and Soldier.
I kept nursing and doing some consulting from home but I am now looking forward to stepping back in to practice and meeting all of your lovely animals.
I have a particular soft spot for the 'golden oldies' and love medical nursing. It is my number one aim to ensure that every patient is treated as an individual and feels as happy as possible while at the vets.
Clare Docherty
Veterinary Nursing Assistant
Hi, I’m Clare. I have been working in practice for 8 years. I am particularly interested in laboratory work and anaesthesia. I love all animals, but I have a real soft spot for cats. I am owned by Lola. She hates being picked up, but she is very affectionate and likes to be close to me. I am mad about Reading Football Club, and I go to watch them at home & away as much as possible.
Chrissy Matthews
Receptionist
I'm Chrissy, I have lived in Sonning Common with my family since 1997. My children have now all flown the nest - well almost, they keep coming back! However, our household is still kept busy with our Springer Spaniel, Standard Poodle and our three cats.
Having spent the last 23 years working as an administrator for a local primary school, I'm now looking forward to changing my focus from children to animals!
I'm really excited at the prospect of welcoming you and meeting your four legged family members.
Selina Bacon
Receptionist
I have lived in the area all my life and I'm now living in Emmer Green with my husband and two daughters.
I love nothing more than a long walk with my two Hungarian Vizslas, Rani and Chili, (fellow dog walkers have most likely seen me walking locally).
My background is accounting and administration and I'm excited to be one of the reception team at Cherry Orchard Vets.
I will always welcome you and your furry friends with an encouraging and friendly smile.
Tanya Briess
Receptionist
Hello,
I’m Tanya and at Cherry Orchard Vets you will find me on reception. Prior to this I worked as a qualified nurse in the NHS for 30 years.
I live locally with my husband, daughter, Talia our elderly cat and Bonnie our Cockapoo.
Our horse Emilia is stabled nearby.
In my spare time I enjoy long walks with Bonnie, running, going to the theatre and book club. Acting as groom to my daughter at showjumping competitions takes up most weekends.
Animals are a big part of my life and I’m very much looking forward to greeting you and your pets at Cherry Orchard Vets
EMILY WYATT
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as an RVN in 2022 and after a couple of years in practice I took a short break to travel, helping out with some animal charities along the way. When I returned to England I began working as a locum nurse - this lead me to Cherry Orchard Vets and I soon decided I would stick around more permanently. I love travelling and exploring different cultures around the world whenever I get the chance.
As a nurse, I really enjoy anaesthetics, I enjoy the responsibility and attention to detail involved in caring for patients during procedures.
lauren Macpherson
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as an RVN in 2005 and have always loved being hands-on behind the scenes, making sure every job is done properly and every patient receives the best possible care. Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to my two beautiful boys, and we love spending our weekends exploring new places and making memories together. I also own a tortoise, who is a much-loved part of the family, although I would absolutely love to have a cat one day too.
jade jones
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as an RVN in 2021. I have a real passion for anaesthetics and love continuing to build my knowledge and skills in this area to provide the very best care for my patients.
I love spending quality time with my family and making special memories with my beautiful daughter. At home, I have two lovely cats, Milo and Luna, who keep life entertaining and full of cuddles.
dani Goswell
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as a nurse in 2024 and absolutely love everything about being a veterinary nurse. From meeting clients in consults to monitoring patients during anaesthetics, I enjoy every part of the job and the variety each day brings. Outside of work, I run my own pet sitting business, which allows me to spend even more time caring for animals. In my spare time, I love going for walks with my dog and enjoying the outdoors whenever I can.
Caroline gibson
Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2009 and have loved the variety the role brings throughout my career. I’m a busy mum to my two daughters and also to my lovely Labrador, Cheddar, who I enjoy taking on countryside adventures in my spare time. In a previous practice, I carried out lots of nurse consults, which I really enjoyed, but at the moment I’m focusing more on anaesthetics and continuing to expand my skills by learning new procedures such as laparoscopic spays.
Sharon wallis
Veterinary Surgeon
Sharon Wallis
Veterinary Surgeon
I graduated from Murdoch University, Western Australia in 1994 and after a short period working in Perth travelled to the UK to continue my career. After working in various parts of the UK I eventually settled in South Oxfordshire. Over the three decades since graduating I have been able to follow various interests with particular focus on soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics and imaging.
I have always had lots of energy but currently my life is a challenge having a very full household of husband, 4 children, full time care of my lovely mother-in-law and 5 rescue tortoises. Life is a bit harder, and I do get tired more easily but I still try to greet each day with a smile and a laugh. I don’t have as much time for hobbies as I used to, but I still enjoy a good read when I can, as well as a bit of DIY, woodworking, gardening and crafty stuff.
Sarah fox
Veterinary Surgeon
Hi I am Sarah Fox, the other Sarah. I qualified from Cambridge rather a long time ago. I began as a mixed practice vet James Herriot style but switched to small animal when I got married and moved to London. After a couple of years in Australia we came home and settled in South Oxfordshire where we brought up our family who are now all grown up and fled the nest. Now we share our home with our lovely fox red lab and some friendly chickens.
As a vet I particularly enjoy the challenge of both dermatology (skin and ear problems) and dentistry and really enjoy being able to help my patients and their owners.
When not working I enjoy gardening, flower arranging, cooking and hiking.
NICOLA THOMPSON
Administration and receptionist
Hello,
I’m Nicola, I own a happy lab cross called Bouncer, and he enjoys nothing more than running off chasing deer and giving me a heart attack!
At Cherry Orchard I help on reception but also do a large part of the admin side.
I previously worked at a dental practice for over 10 years and have a real passion for helping clients and now love meeting all your furry or feathered family members.
Lucy Ogston
Sonning Common
"Sarah is knowledgeable, practical, a great communicator - and perhaps most importantly- she is kind, understanding and realistic. Sarah always has the animals best interests at the forefront of her advice and decisions, but she also considers the owners wishes and limitations. She works with the owner making sure that communications are clear and everyone understands the situation and what is best for our beloved pets. I cannot rate Sarah highly enough, and trust her completely with my precious cats and dogs."
Lorna Ellis
Emmer Green
"Sarah is a fabulously intuitive vet who has treated my cats for several conditions over many years. She is so easy to deal with, friendly, approachable, and brilliant at explaining the diagnosis and options for treatment. I trust her completely."
Gill Sanderson
Emmer Green
“This is Merlin, who at the age of 7 years developed a gangrenous bowel and required major surgery. The quick response and expertise of Sarah undoubtedly saved his life. He went on to have another wonderful 7 years. Always professional, Sarah is also very caring in her approach to her work and this extends to pet owners too. I am delighted for Sarah that she is opening her own practice and the local pet community can reap the benefits of her expertise."