September is here so we are celebrating and giving thanks to everyone who has enabled James Hopkins Trust to support Gloucestershire’s young children who are life limited and life threatened for 30 years! To know this practical and emotional support is there for families who are learning to live with the knowledge their child’s life may be short is truly comforting and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity and kindness of every single one of you! This month we will be introducing you to new people every day who are part of our very special story. Sit back and enjoy ‘Thirty stories in thirty days for thirty years’    #JHT30/30

I have worked for James Hopkins for 3 years and have been a qualified children’s nurse for 4 years. I have always wanted to be a nurse and when I was a teenager I decided I particularly wanted to care for children, therefore becoming a children’s nurse sounded perfect for me and became my ambition. 

After leaving school I worked at several different nurseries as a bank nursery nurse to gain some experience before applying for nursing. I also worked as a bank healthcare assistant on adult wards for a short period of time, but felt this wasn’t for me. 

During my children’s nursing course at Worcester University I quickly found the area in which I wanted to work .I particularly enjoyed my placements at Special Needs schools, a respite centre in Hereford (which has sadly now closed) and Acorns Hospice. I found my passion in looking after children with complex and additional needs. I enjoyed these community placements where I could really get to know the children and their families. My mum has several chronic conditions resulting in severe chronic pain and I feel that this has helped with my understanding of the impact such conditions have on an individual’s life and that of their family. This in turn has raised my awareness, compassion and understanding that not every disability is visible and made me passionate in helping and supporting children with chronic/complex needs and their families.

When I qualified I worked at Bristol Children’s hospital for nearly a year, however my goal was to work in a community setting. When I found out about James Hopkins Trust, it sounded exactly the kind of place I hoped to work and I was over the moon when I was offered a job. I still feel so lucky to be working for such an incredible place with a fantastic, passionate team! I enjoy the variety of work from Little Kites, overnight respite shifts and one to one respite. 

I have had several one to one respite children over the years and have enjoyed forming close bonds with the children and their families. I currently look after Darla and Rebecca. I have looked after Darla since she was 10 months old and Rebecca for the last year. Both are strong willed, beautiful and determined little girls with wonderful personalities – they certainly keep me on my toes! I feel honoured to look after them, support their wonderful families and be there for each milestone and celebration.