Vivien graduated from Cambridge in 1973 and was formerly a teacher of Physics and Maths. She wanted to change to do something in the medical field and so took a lower level chiropody training course in 2003 followed by a full-time degree course in Podiatry at the University of Northampton to open up further, more specialised career opportunities within Podiatry (Medicine of the feet).

Vivien is registered with HPC and is able to extend the services offered in Chiropody and Podiatry to include local anaesthesia and nail surgery. Her other interests include rock-climbing and mountaineering (Summer Mountain Leadership qualification), skiing, caving, and music.

Vivien completed the London Marathon in 2001 but ankle injury later that year prevented further really active sports. However, it did give her a particular insight into foot problems and sports injuries.