Nurse Wendy to retire after 50 years and lead St Barnabas Torchlight procession

Wendy, a Staff Nurse in the Hospice at Home team at St Barnabas, retires this November after 50 years of nursing. She will lead the 26th Torchlight Procession in Lincoln, retiring at the procession 50 years to the date after her career began. This year she is also dedicating a light to her parents and walking in their honour, so the procession marks both a personal tribute and the end of her nursing career.

Wendy has spent her career supporting people through some of life's most challenging moments. For 50 years she has loved the moments that make nursing special: greeting patients and families with a warm smile, listening to their stories and admiring their strength and resilience. In her current role she cares 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."

"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." Wendy describes leading the procession as an 'honour'.

Describing a moment that stays with her, Wendy says: "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 humbling and emotional. A standout moment for her 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," she says. "It's a way of giving back, so that we're able to support families for years to come."

Wendy will walk with her family, her children and grandchildren, alongside her St Barnabas colleagues, thinking of her parents as she goes.

Her final message to St Barnabas supporters is one 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."

You can become part of the torchlight procession; tickets are available here.