Team Birchwood is taking part in the Yorkshire Marathon Relay 2024 to raise money for St Leonard’s Hospice in York in memory of Michael Gilbertson, who was the Principal Vet and Owner of Birchwood Veterinary Practice.

Michael Gilbertson, who ran the Birchwood Veterinary Practice in Gate Helmsley, was diagnosed with an inoperable cancer in early August 2023 and died a short time later in St Leonard’s Hospice in York.

Born at Malton Hospital in October 1977, Michael was educated at Pocklington School and after qualifying as a vet in Edinburgh in 2006, he returned to Yorkshire to start his career at a veterinary practice in Wetherby. In 2010 Michael moved to a veterinary practice slightly closer to his home in High Catton as he and Claire became parents.

In 2018 Michael opened the doors to his own business, the Birchwood Veterinary Practice, which is based near Stamford Bridge. Michael said he had always wanted to open his own practice and the time in his career came to make it happen.

Michael understood the importance of community to Yorkshire people, and he was pleased to be able to add to the growth of the local community by opening a new business.

Following Michael’s death his wife, Claire, has stepped into the role of Non-Clinical Director to keep the business running, both to honour Michael’s legacy and to realise the ambitious plans they both had for the future development of the veterinary practice.

Whatever Michael did – be that in his role as father and husband, looking after his garden, being a top host or being the caring and compassionate vet, he was known as – he always went the extra mile to ensure he did an excellent job. And now it’s the time for Team Birchwood to go the extra mile in Michael’s memory by completing the Yorkshire Marathon Relay 2024.

The Birchwood Team is led by Alicia Dixon, Birchwood’s Clinical Director, alongside her are Birchwood colleagues Jo Beevers, registered veterinary nurse, Sarah Clark, apprentice veterinary nurse, Eloise Dyer, receptionist, Alex Drinkall, PR and communications consultant and Jo Dyer, a close friend of the practice.

Claire will be running the full marathon with Michael’s dad; John, his first ever marathon aged 76 and Michael’s brother; Neil.