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.
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.
Daniel
Theatre and Sterilisation assistant
Hello! My name is Daniel. I have a passion for animal and this lead me to providing help to shelters in France and in the UK.
I have two dogs, George and Lola who I rescued and I love to take on a long walk every day.
In my spare time I like playing guitar, gaming and go to the gym.
Zoe Oxley DipRVN
Veterinary Nurse
Hi, my name is Zoe. I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse and I studied at The College of Animal Welfare in Leeds and qualified in 2020.
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 action trust.
Heidi
Cleaner and Kennel assistant
Andrew
Theatre and Sterilisation assistant
I am Andy, a theatre assistant and kennel assistant at Gainsborough Referrals. I take pride in supporting both the clinical team and the day-to-day care of the animals, helping to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. I enjoy working closely with animals and being part of a team dedicated to their wellbeing. Outside of work, I value spending quality time with my family.
I am Heidi, a cleaner and kennel assistant at Gainsborough Referrals. I take pride in helping to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all the animals in our care. I have a genuine love for animals and enjoy playing a part in supporting their comfort and wellbeing each day. Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my family, which means a great deal to me.
