Helping care for patients at East Cheshire Hospice left a lasting impression on nurse Gemma Thomas.
So much so that Gemma has donated a £200 student prize to the charity as a thank you for its part during her student training.
Newly-qualified Gemma received the accolade from Chester University for ‘outstanding commitment to the community’ for helping train dementia champions.
Gemma said: “I’d never been to a hospice before and wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s a beautiful place, the patients and staff are gorgeous and completely different to the way of life in a hospital.
“It left me with some lovely memories and I wouldn’t rule out working at a hospice later in my career.
“It was such an honour to be here and all students should spend some time at a hospice as part of their nursing degrees.
“When someone takes their last breath the family, even are in the darkest moments, are very grateful. It’s not a sad place – it’s a happy place. My nine-week placement here changed my outlook on life.”
Gemma, who has a 10-year-old daughter Maisie, now works in A and E after she was rushed on to the front line during the final year of studies because of the pandemic.
She also volunteers with the North West Ambulance Service.
East Cheshire Hospice Community Fundraiser Carley Macey (left) with nurse Gemma Thomas.