THE PEAK DISTRICT VET

Lorna Francis grew up in rural Warwickshire. Her family owned cats, dogs and a pony and, after spending time with the local vet on their daily rounds, Lorna was inspired to pursue a career as a rural veterinary surgeon.

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After leaving school, she worked on a farm for a year, with pedigree Hereford cattle, learning valuable lessons in handling animals and observing their behaviour.

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Lorna graduated with a degree in Veterinary Science from Liverpool University and began her career in Oxfordshire, before moving to Derbyshire where she would have a greater involvement with farm veterinary work. 

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When her bosses decided to retire, Lorna - together with a veterinary surgeon colleague from university - bought the practice, which they ran for many years.

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Now retired, Lorna’s love of the countryside continues. She enjoys walking her dog, developing new projects in her garden and growing vegetables in her allotment. She keeps a few bantams and enjoys their individual personalities. Developing her long-time love of country traditions, she has taken up Morris dancing and she maintains contact with farmer friends and clients and has met new people through volunteering work. 

Lorna and her partner, Geoff, enjoy exploring a little further afield in their vintage VW campervan.