After 50 incredible years of nursing, Wendy will retire at St Barnabas’ Torchlight Procession

For the past 50 years, Wendy has loved the moments that make nursing so special: greeting patients and families with a warm smile, listening to their stories and admiring their strength and resilience.

Having spent her career supporting people through some of life’s most challenging moments, she currently works as Staff Nurse in the Hospice at Home team at St Barnabas, caring for people in their own homes.

Wendy says: “50 years of nursing has been all I’ve ever wanted to do. I wouldn’t want to finish my career anywhere other than at St Barnabas Hospice. I just love my job.”

As Wendy reaches this milestone, she’ll be remembering the people who have meant the most to her. This year, Wendy will be dedicating a light to her parents and walking the Torchlight Procession in their honour.

Dedicate a Light Torchlight Procession

This year’s procession will be a particularly special occasion for Wendy, marking both a personal tribute to her parents and the end of her 50-year nursing career.

“On 17th November 1976, I started my nursing career, and this November, 50 years to the date, I’ll be retiring at the poignant Torchlight Procession in Lincoln.”

Describing it as an ‘honour’, Wendy will lead the 26th Torchlight Procession – a  fitting and memorable way to celebrate her remarkable career and the people she has cared for along the way.

Throughout her career, Wendy has seen people when they’re at their most vulnerable, leaving no stone unturned to give them comfort and care.

“That’s what makes the hospice so special – we can give our patients the time they need.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what we achieve at St Barnabas, especially when time is limited for the people we care for. We’re so much more than end of life care – we help people to live before they die. We are the family you never knew you needed.”

Describing a moment that stays with her, Wendy shares: “My colleague Maggie and I once supported a patient who wanted to get married before he died. He was very poorly, so we attended the wedding with him, just in case he needed anything.

“It was very emotional, but everything went beautifully, and he achieved what he wanted. That will always stay with me.”

Last year, Wendy volunteered at the Torchlight Procession and found the experience incredibly humbling and emotional.

A standout moment for Wendy is when the band stops outside the Inpatient Unit:

“When the band stops outside the hospice, and they start to play – there’s just complete silence. And I think that’s when people remember their loved ones the most. It’s wonderful.

“The Torchlight Procession is so meaningful for families, because it’s that sense of togetherness, and knowing you’re not on your own. It’s a way of giving back, so that we’re able to support families for years to come.”

If you can’t join Wendy in person, you can still be part of the procession from home. With the new virtual torch, Health Rehabilitation Support Worker Katie, will walk alongside Wendy carrying a torch in honour of your loved one, so their name and memory can still be represented.

You can then follow the Torchlight Procession on a livestream from home – a special way to take part in this much-loved tradition, even if you can’t be there in person.

Wendy will be walking with her family – her children and grandchildren – alongside her St Barnabas colleagues, and as she walks, she’ll be thinking of her parents, whose light she’s dedicating this year.

As she prepares to retire, Wendy also shares her words of wisdom for the next generation of nurses: “Make sure your patient is at the heart of everything you do. Listen with intent and enthusiasm and be their advocate. There will be some challenges along the way but face them head on. Maintain those high standards, and if things don’t go well, learn from it.”

Wendy’s final message to St Barnabas supporters is full of gratitude:

“To the people who have chosen to support St Barnabas, a big thank you. Because without this, our patients wouldn’t get the care they need. They wouldn’t be able to achieve their goals. We couldn’t do what we do without it.

“If we’re to continue being there for patients in years to come, rest assured that every penny will be spent on continuing good quality care for those going forward, as well as those who need it now.”

Will you join Wendy by dedicating a light to someone special? Every donation will help nurses like Wendy give patients and families the time, care, and comfort they deserve.

You can remember anyone you love with a light, not just those cared for by the Hospice. As a thank you, St Barnabas will send you a personalised card and a memory tag for the Tree of Life, and a decoration to display at home.