Laura and her husband are avid long-distance cyclists and rode from Lands’ End to John O’Groats on our tandem last year and in 2022 have exciting plans to break the record for cycling around the World in 6 months!

Laura was an Abbey Leaver in 2004 and went to study at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh after a lot of hard work to get there, supported by the wonderful teachers at the Abbey.  Laura studied there for 5 years and is now a companion animal vet near Derby.  She has an interest in exotic pets and is clinical lead of a small independent practice.

In her spare time, Laura does rather a lot of cycling, still commuting to and from work like she used to commute to and from school in Sixth form.  They hope to raise a significant amount of money for mental health charities Mind and Vetlife and sustainability charity Sustrans, during their tandem challenge.

I miss the fun and laughs I had with my school friends- a few of who I’m still in touch with.  I also missing being taught so well, through University and beyond I have done a lot more self-study and with veterinary medicine being and ever-changing field it is up to me to keep myself abreast of current information and techniques. 

My extra-curricular activities taught me a lot was well and I like to think completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award has given me the skills to go on adventures!

The advice I would give to students about the industry I am working in is that being a Vet is definitely a vocation and can be massively rewarding but is also high pressure and stressful at times.  It takes a lot of different skills and having a broad experience of different areas other than the core subject required for University will set you in good stead for a career in that area.  Getting into Vet school took a lot of dedication but having interests outside of work has helped me have a good work life balance.

Completing the kind of challenges we do on the bike takes a different set of skills, not only physical fitness; but mental endurance, preparation and logistics, strategic planning and now media and PR skills for our Round the World adventure.  We are looking for corporate sponsorship currently and would be extremely grateful if any Alumnae with contacts that might be interested could get in touch.

My advice would be to work hard and follow you dreams but make sure you have plenty of adventures along the way. You never know what if around the next corner and life is for loving so do what makes you happy!

 Laura’s challenge website is: www.stelatandemaroundtheworld.wordpress.com