When I walked through the doors of Addenbrooke’s in September 1991, I had no idea that it would become my professional home for the next three decades. I was part of the very first intake of Project 2000 student nurses at the Cambridgeshire College of Health Studies. At just 18, with no prior nursing experience, I was eager, nervous, and ready to learn.
Caring for children and their families at what can be the most difficult time of their lives is a privilege.
My paediatric training gave me the opportunity to work across all the children’s wards, where I quickly realised that nursing was more than just a job—it was a calling. In 1994, I qualified and joined Ward C3 as a D grade nurse. That ward became my second home for the next 28 years, apart from a brief stint on the Children’s Observation Unit.
I can honestly say I’ve loved every part of paediatric nursing, from toddlers to teenagers—but babies have always held a special place in my heart. Today, I’m still proudly working as a Band 5 nurse, now on the Charles Wolfson Ward at the Rosie. And yes—I still love my job.
Babies are my favourite. Always have been.
Some of the most memorable moments from the early days were caring for children who had undergone liver transplants under the care of Professor Calne. The complexity and intensity of their care was humbling—and I was privileged to be a small part of those journeys.
In the 90s, I cared for liver transplant patients—an incredible experience with Professor Calne’s team.
Through the years, I’ve worked alongside extraordinary colleagues—many of whom have become lifelong friends. We’ve shared laughter and tears, wins and losses. Our Christmas parties were the stuff of legend, and reaching my 10, 20, and now 30 years of service awards has been a source of quiet pride. But perhaps nothing bonded us more than the experience of working through the Covid pandemic, when C3 became the designated Paediatric Covid Ward. The strength and camaraderie we developed during that time will stay with me forever.
Working on C3 through Covid brought us closer than ever. It was intense—but we supported each other every step of the way.
Looking back, I can clearly see the people who helped shape the nurse I’ve become. My college tutors, Anne Trotter and Jan Rand, saw potential in me before I even saw it in myself. I owe them so much.
And then there’s Dr Wilf Kelsall—who I remember from his days as a Registrar (yes, I’ve been around that long!). He remains one of the most caring, dedicated and professional doctors I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Among nurses, I’ve been fortunate to look up to some incredible mentors, including Anne Elmer and Caroline Saward. They inspired me not just as professionals but as people I aspired to grow into.
Anne and Caroline were the nurses I wanted to be when I grew up. Now, we’re all in our 50s and 60s!
If I could speak to my 21-year-old self today, I’d keep it simple—but important.
Don’t opt out of your NHS pension. Trust me, it’ll be worth it when you’re looking at retirement.
Thirty years in paediatrics has taught me resilience, compassion, and how to find joy in the everyday moments. I’ve watched children recover, families heal, and colleagues rise to every challenge. And through it all, I’ve been reminded why I chose this path in the first place.
Because at the heart of it all, it’s about love, care, and showing up—day after day—for those who need you most.