The Teenage Years

 I passed my 11+ and went to Cambridge Girls Grammar School, where I passed 6 O'levels and a CSE. I then went on to Netherhall sixth form college and passed an A level in Social Biology.

The Teenage Years

When I was 14 I joined the British Red Cross where I trained in childcare, first aid and home nursing, achieving the highest accolade of a Grand proficiency medal (which I still have) I also won the individual childcare cup at the county competitions 2 years in a row. I loved children and often babysat for neighbours and friends. So it was a bitter blow, when I found out at the age of 15 that I could never have children, this news was devastating and timing was terrible, at a time when I should have concentrated on my exams.

I continued as a Red Cross volunteer until 1979, regularly attending First Aid duties at venues like Newmarket Races, I loved this and even though it wasn't paid, found the experiences and meeting new people invaluable. The Warden at the local "old peoples home" sought me out and knowing I was planning a Nursing career asked me if I wanted a job - you could say I was "headhunted" at the age of 17. I started work there as a domestic - cleaning toilets and serving meals. From there my relationship with the clients and residents led to me changing my green domestics uniform for a yellow carers one. Promotion, and more hands on caring - I loved it, the elderly people had tales to tell of their lives and I was enthralled at their bravery and memories.

It was here that I saw my first dead body, it was a lady who just a few weeks before had, had her 100th birthday. She looked so peaceful and had just slipped away in her sleep. I hope that's how I go when my time comes.