Julian Norton

Veterinarian Julian Norton recalls treating a lame Shetland Sheepdog puppy and unexpectedly meeting Suzanne, a former colleague from the Wakefield practice where he completed work experience at age sixteen. She reminds him of a near-mistake during a caesarean section, when he instinctively reached toward a protruding uterus before being stopped by senior vet Peter Rhodes. The incident, alongside witnessing an emergency euthanasia, gave Norton an early and memorable introduction to the emotional and practical realities of veterinary medicine and helped convince him it was his vocation.

Julian Norton recounts observing the rehabilitation and release of Sandy Shaw, a young, underweight seal rescued with injured flippers and an infected ear. After treatment and recovery at SEA LIFE Scarborough, Sandy was transported to a quiet coastal cove and returned safely to the sea.

Julian Norton recounts a weekend in which his sons Archie and Jack competed at national rowing and mountain-bike championships. Archie won bronze in the Club Single Sculls at Nottingham’s National Water-sports Centre, while Jack performed strongly in the mountain-bike event in Dumfriesshire. Norton also entered the recreational “Fun Men” race, finishing seventh, but says his sons’ achievements gave him the greatest pride.