Welcome to Cwmbran’s new local, independent veterinary practice.
We believe in building lasting relationships, so with us you’ll see the same friendly faces each time you visit. Getting to know you and your pets means we can give truly personal care and support through every stage of their lives. Your pet’s health and happiness are always our top priorities.
Our practice has been thoughtfully designed with both pets and people in mind. With separate areas for cats and dogs, modern facilities, and the latest clinical equipment, we’ve created a calm, welcoming space where every animal is treated with the same care and compassion as our own.
Whether you’d like to know more, or you’re ready to register your pets – we can’t wait to welcome you to Llantarnam Vets.
Gary Champken MRCVS PgCertSAS
Practice Owner
Hello! I grew up in Cwmbran, attending school in Henllys and Croesyceiliog before studying veterinary medicine at the University of Cambridge. After graduating in 2010, I completed a year-long internship at a specialist referral centre in Hertfordshire, where I gained hands-on experience with complex cases.
In 2011, I returned to Wales to work in Abergavenny, spending the next 14 years developing my surgical skills and completing a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery. This training allows me to perform advanced soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures, helping me provide a higher level of care for your pets, right here at your local practice.
For the past two years, I’ve been working toward my dream of opening an independent practice that combines clinical excellence with genuine, personal care. Opening Llantarnam Vets in my hometown of Cwmbran brings that dream to life. Our purpose-built clinic includes state-of-the-art facilities, including an on-site CT scanner – one of only two in South Wales.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and our two lively Springer Spaniels. I enjoy cooking, exploring the South Wales hills, and keeping up a regular gym routine.
I’m looking forward to welcoming you to our practice.
Courtney Edwards RVN
Head Nurse
Hello, I’m Courtney, and I’m so pleased to have been a part of the team responsible for building our new practice from the ground up!
Although Llantarnam Vets is new for me, I’ve been working in veterinary practice since 2016, and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2019. I love all aspects of nursing, but have a special interest in anaesthesia, surgery, and emergency and critical care.
I recently moved to New Inn with my whippet, Ned, who keeps me on my toes outside of work. In my spare time, I enjoy going to CrossFit and I am learning to ride a motorbike (I’ve just passed my compulsory basic training). I also like to head off to festivals, and go skiing whenever I get the chance.
I’m looking forward to meeting all our new clients and their pets, and being part of the journey for Llantarnam Vets!
Zoë Hamer-Thomas RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Hello my name is Zoë, and I’m so excited to be part of our new practice, and can’t wait to see it grow! I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2016, and have been working in practice since 2013. I am so looking forward to getting to know you and all of your pets!
I enjoy all aspects of my role, but I have a special interest in patient care. I also have a soft spot for all the ‘feisty’ pets out there who perhaps need a little extra care and patience, especially ‘spicy’ cats – there’s no greater feeling than winning them around and becoming friends!
At home I am kept busy with my young daughter and 3 rescue cats, Albie, Bruce and Gus. In the small amount of spare time I get, I really enjoy baking, and – fun fact – I actually made Gary and his wife Rhiannon’s wedding cake!
Chloe Barrett RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Hi, I’m Chloe, a Registered Veterinary Nurse who qualified in 2020. I enjoy all aspects of veterinary nursing, with a particular interest in emergency and critical care, as well as medical cases.
I joined the team in May and have really enjoyed becoming part of such a friendly and welcoming team. I’m looking forward to continuing to get to know everyone and building relationships with our lovely clients and their pets.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and have a keen interest in indoor plants.
Last year, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a veterinary nurse for three weeks at an animal hospital on the Caribbean island of Carriacou. It was a fantastic experience that allowed me to develop my skills while contributing to the care of animals in a different environment.
Laela Holder RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Hi, I’m Laela and I’m a Veterinary Nurse who graduated in 2023. I absolutely love caring for animals and being part of the veterinary world!
When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me exploring somewhere new in my camper van, walking in the mountains, or attempting to bake something delicious (with varying levels of success!). I’m also kept very busy by my cocker spaniel, Albie, who has plenty of personality and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
I’m excited to be part of the team and look forward to meeting you and your lovely pets!
Megan Jones
Student Veterinary Nurse
Hi everyone, my name is Meg! I have been lucky enough to gain lots of experience with animals, from working with exotics and farm animals, to looking after people’s pets in both general practice and emergency care settings.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me horse riding or going on long walks at the beach. At home, I’m kept busy by my two lovely dogs – Belle, my miniature Yorkie, and Lola, my Rottweiler.
I’m really passionate about progressing my career in veterinary practice, and I’m thrilled to be taking this exciting new step. I can’t wait to learn, grow, and be part of an incredible team on this new journey!
Tia Bridges
Veterinary Care Assistant
Hi, I’m Tia! I am delighted to be part of the team here at Llantarnam Vets and to help support our wonderful community.
I have spent the last 4 years working within the veterinary industry, gaining valuable experience in both client facing and hands on animal care roles. I am deeply passionate about providing the highest standard of care for every patient that walks through our doors, as well as supporting their owners.
At home, I am kept very busy by my own “mini-zoo,” which includes my three dogs Oscar, Otis, and Winnie and my leopard gecko, Lemon!
When I’m not at the practice, you’ll usually find me staying active by running, getting lost in a good book, or exploring the outdoors on long walks with my dogs.
I look forward to meeting you and your furry friends in practice.
Chloe Blunden
Veterinary Receptionist
Hi I’m Chloe! I’m thrilled to join Llantarnam Vets and be part of this exciting journey!
I have nearly 5 years of experience working in Veterinary practice, in both client and animal care roles, and have obtained my Level 3 Animal management diploma.
I’ve had a passion for animals since a very young age, with my first family pet being a big, fluffy German Shepherd!
Outside of work I like to go on long hikes, explore new scenery with my family, and attend motorsport events!
I am super excited to meet our clients, their pets, and be a part of our awesome new team.
Rob, Craig, Brian and Georgia
We’re Rob Lucy, Craig Roxburgh, Brian Faulkner and Georgia Faulkner. We work in partnership with the team at Llantarnam Vets, helping them focus on the day-to-day running of the practice and caring for your pets.
We support the practice with our expertise in HR, marketing, business operations and administration. You may see us at the practice from time to time, often making a fuss of your pets, but we usually work behind the scenes.
The Llantarnam Vets team makes the decisions about your pets’ care, bringing the expertise, compassion and personal attention you can expect at every visit.
