Godalming

Helen qualified as a physiotherapist in 2004 and started her career at Kings College Hospital in London completing her rotations and then initially specialising in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. In 2010 she started working with the Complex Trauma team at DMRC Headley Court treating a range of complex injuries, and developed an interest in the area of amputee rehabilitation.

She worked with injured military personnel at the height of the conflict in Afghanistan and assisted amputees of all levels in their prosthetic rehabilitation and return to varying levels of function. She became one of the Band 7 physiotherapists that led the complex trauma team and worked collaboratively with a large MDT to provide a holistic approach to rehabilitation.

She has a specific interest in teaching amputees how to run again and with a specialist team in this area developed a return to run criteria. She has also conducted research in collaboration with Bath University analysing amputee running gait following a period of rehabilitation. She has completed MSc modules at the University of Hertfordshire.

Since leaving the Ministry of Defence Helen started working with amputee clients at Proactive Prosthetics who are of varying ages and functional levels, providing rehabilitation and enabling them to achieve their goals. Helen has worked with individuals in various settings from the clinic, gym and community providing education, support and developing confidence to optimise their prosthetic rehabilitation.

Matthew Pizzey joined the team in November 2011. A mechanical engineer by trade, Matthew’s previous role included designing and drawing under floor heating systems. Matthew first became interested in the field of prosthetics through his father who works for leading manufacturer of prosthetics, Ottobock.

Since then his experience has grown and broadened to include all aspects of limb fabrication and construction. Supporting four prosthetists, he has the ability to produce work to a high standard in time-frames to suit the patients’ requirements.

Alfie joined Proactive in 2021 to support our growing team as a technician.

Alfie is tidy and organised which goes down well in the workshop which can get busy and chaotic at times! Alfie is the one who knows where that tool is or whether a part has arrived for the prosthesis being made.

Michaela joins us as Clinic Administrator with a wealth of experience in administration and facilities management.

Michaela is delightfully welcoming and incredibly efficient. All our patients needs and requests are never too much trouble.

Michaela has a background in facilities management and health and safety and she makes sure that our clinic facilities are all in good order and maintains a safe environment for patients, visitors and the team to work in.

Alan is an experienced prosthetist with a background in research, education, and advanced prosthetic technology, supporting patients through rehabilitation while helping develop innovative clinical practice.

Natalie is a dual-qualified prosthetist and orthotist with a strong interest in biomechanics and gait, supporting patients through rehabilitation to improve mobility and independence.

Since graduating from the University of Salford in 2014, Alex has worked in Cambridge as an Orthotist, specialising in neurorehabilitation and scoliosis management. Before joining Proactive, she served as Clinic Manager for several large prosthetic and orthotic services across the East of England and the Midlands.

Alex is committed to delivering evidence-based care, combining fundamental principles of biomechanics with advanced technologies to optimise patient outcomes. She is enthusiastic about improving the quality of life for her patients, which is evident in her appointments through her positivity and empathetic nature. Her clinical expertise includes comprehensive gait analysis, spinal orthotic intervention, and the integration of digital workflows such as 3D scanning and additive manufacturing. She has a particular interest in complex neurological presentations and multidisciplinary rehabilitation planning.

Outside of work, Alex plays competitive netball, is mum to a lively 1 year old and enjoys exploring the countryside with her Labrador, Bruno

Werner Herbst is a highly accomplished Prosthetist and Orthotist at Proactive Prosthetics, offering nearly 30 years of clinical and managerial experience across the UK, Ireland, and South Africa. Throughout his distinguished career, Werner has held senior leadership roles within some of the most prestigious healthcare settings, including serving as the Centre Manager at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton, where he oversaw the delivery of specialist prosthetics, orthotics, and special seating services.

His clinical expertise is broad and deep, specialising in lower limb prosthetics, lower limb orthotics, and advanced osseointegration prosthetics. Werner’s background is uniquely characterised by a blend of clinical excellence and strategic business acumen; he holds a Master of Business Administration from Oxford Brookes University alongside a Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Studies from the University of Strathclyde. His commitment to the highest professional standards is reflected in his HCPC and BAPO registrations, as well as his academic distinctions in Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics.

In addition to his clinical and managerial responsibilities, Werner is an experienced expert witness. Having completed the Bond Solon expert report writing course, he frequently undertakes medico-legal work, providing authoritative insights in both prosthetics and orthotics. Werner combines his decades of technical proficiency with a results-oriented approach, ensuring that every patient receives the specialised, high-quality care necessary to achieve their rehabilitation goals.

Connor joined Proactive in summer of 2024 as Clinic Coordinator at our Godalming site. Connor previously worked in a busy hotel as a restaurant manager before going to work in an independent coffee roastery, bringing a wide range of admin & people focused skills.

He decided to go back to college to study an Administration Diploma & found a place at Proactive. With a varied range of experience, Connor loves to meet and liaise with the patient’s, being the first face they see when they arrive &

Outside of work, Connor enjoys lots of long walks with his pug called Angelo, video gaming & trying delicious food and wine!

Sarah is a Team Lead Physiotherapist at Proactive in Godalming. She works at Proactive three days a week, and also works as a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Winchester.

Sarah qualified as a physiotherapist in 2003 from Oxford Brookes University and later completed a Master’s degree in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the University of Brighton. She has worked in a wide range of settings, including the NHS and for the military, supporting the rehabilitation of injured service personnel.

Sarah has extensive experience helping people recover from complex and traumatic injuries, including amputations. She strongly believes in treating the whole person, taking a holistic approach to rehabilitation that supports both physical recovery and overall wellbeing.

Sarah’s favourite part of her job is seeing the progress her patients make and helping them return to the activities that matter most to them. She uses a variety of treatment approaches including exercise rehabilitation, manual therapy, and acupuncture.

Outside of work, Sarah keeps busy with her energetic son. She enjoys paddle boarding, reading, and is currently learning to jive.

Having previously worked as Clinical Lead at a busy London prosthetics service, Sophie also has 7 years of clinical experience in the NHS, including working with many new amputees at a specialist inpatient rehabilitation unit. This is where she developed a passion for building a strong relationship with each patient from the beginning and found it very rewarding to help an individual reach their potential.

Sophie understands the importance of a collaborative approach with both patient and the multi-disciplinary team to create new ideas and to truly understand a patient’s needs.

Sophie’s warm and approachable nature creates a foundation of trust to ensure each individual feels comfortable and confident in their treatment and journey ahead.

Andrew Reece is a Senior Prosthetist at Proactive Prosthetics, bringing over 20 years of clinical experience in lower limb prosthetics. Throughout his career he has worked within some of the UK’s leading prosthetic centres and healthcare settings, providing specialist care to individuals with complex limb loss. Andrew previously held the role of Clinical Lead Prosthetist at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton, where he led a large multidisciplinary prosthetic team and managed complex inpatient and outpatient cases, including osseointegration.

His clinical expertise covers all aspects of lower limb prosthetics, including modern socket design and state-of-the-art component prescription. Andrew is experienced in managing complex traumatic amputations and is committed to delivering personalised, high-performance prosthetic care tailored to each individual’s goals.

Andrew’s passion for mobility extends beyond the clinic. He is an enthusiastic mountain biker, gravel rider and runner. His charitable endeavours reflect this commitment to active living — he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro alongside a group of amputees in support of the Limbless Association, has completed the Walk With The Wounded Cumbria Challenge, and recently ran his first half marathon at the Robin Hood Half Marathon in support of Run With Rich Charity.