Susan's dedication to helping others is recognised
A nurse who has dedicated almost 50 years to the NHS has received special recognition for her fundraising.
Susan Crowhurst is a theatre learning and development facilitator at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, and is also active in her local community in Hythe.
She is secretary of the Hythe Albion Social Club and co-ordinated their fundraising for this year’s Poppy Appeal, including organising a 70-prize raffle. The total raised was an impressive £1,346.91 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, and Susan was presented with a commemorative poppy brooch by branch chairman Ian Norman to recognise her efforts.
The brooch commemorates women’s role in the Second World War, including those who volunteered to serve as nurses.
Susan said: “It was a very proud moment to receive the brooch, and the card with it was about a nurse who had died in service so it was very special.
“I have volunteered with the St John Ambulance for 50 years, so I always used to march with them on Remembrance Sunday, and I was keen to support the Poppy Appeal.
“I had organised raffles before but for this one everyone was extraordinarily generous.”
The 65 year old began her training to become a nurse in November 1978, although her family say she was bandaging relatives from a very young age.
She said: “It was definitely the right career for me, and I have loved working in theatres.
“Initially I only came for an eight-week placement, and I really wanted to work in the emergency department.
“But I soon realised I didn’t have to talk to the patients for very long as they would then be unconscious, and as I used to be quite shy that was definitely a bonus!”
Susan lived in nurses’ accommodation in Folkestone as a student nurse, training at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Her memories include arriving at the nurse’s home at Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone and having to have tea with the hospital matron and working at the old Buckland Hospital in Dover, St Mary’s Hospital, Etchinghill and Wilesborough Hospital.
She said: “Our uniform included the green cape and white hat; we looked very smart.
“I moved to the William Harvey Hospital shortly after it opened, when everything was very shiny and high tech.
“We only had seven theatres then; now there are nine in main theatres as well as four the day surgery theatres.
“Of course, what we thought of as high tech then was nothing compared to what we have now and there is always something to learn.”
Susan has already begun fundraising for next year’s Poppy Appeal, and has no plans to stop working or her other community roles, including as a trustee for the Friends of Hythe Dementia.
She said: “As long as I enjoy my job and can do it I will keep working – it keeps me busy and I like being able to help others.”