Hospital patients have shared their own memories of living through the Second World War. All as a health trust shows its support for VE Day.
Patients in the trauma unit at the University Hospital of North Tees have taken part to mark Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
Laura Weatherall, a trauma nurse practitioner, asked three elderly patients she is caring for if they wanted to share a memory from their time growing up during the war.
Mandy Mitchinson, Irene Smurthwaite and Eunice Holmes were more than happy to support the campaign.
Laura said: “We are lucky to care for some truly incredible patients with amazing life experiences.
“Mandy, Irene and Eunice have lived through the toughest of times and have come through them stronger than ever. They are people who we are all privileged to care for.
“Their experiences show us all that we can overcome anything. Particularly when we look at the challenge we all face overcoming COVID-19. It shows us that when we all come together and do the right thing, we can get through anything.
“Thank you to all of these remarkable ladies for agreeing to share some of their memories.”
Patients’ memories:
Mandy, 86, said: “Enemy planes were over my home, we all had to move into the shelter.”
Irene, 92, said: “I remember going into my aunt’s shelter at night – you could hear the bombs overhead.”
Eunice, 86, said: “I remember my mother playing the piano in the street when it was all over for a street party.”
On its social media pages, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust will be sharing footage of some of its reserve forces staff sharing important messages.
You can see them by visiting its YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/NTeesHpoolNHSFT
Group caption: Left to right – Staff nurse Stephanie Jones, nurse practitioner Laura Weatherall and unit matron Cheryl Camilleri.
