When Gill was informed that there weren’t any Carer vacancies available, her disappointment was short-lived upon hearing from Matron Marie Branson that a job opportunity had come up at the Hydrotherapy Pool. Whilst Gill’s previous work experiences weren’t water-based, Gill told Matron that she was a quick learner and before she knew it, Gill was in at the deep end.
Over the course of Gill’s first three weeks, she completed an intensive training course to learn how to handle the pool chemicals, to master the computer and how to do a back-wash. In Gill’s own words, within no time at all, she’d learnt how to run this aspect of therapy by herself, and felt she took to it like a “duck to water”.
Gill recalled, “I was meeting the men – because back then, they were all male veteran residents – and I couldn’t believe how young some of them were. But they were all such gentlemen. I remember feeling a little nervous about meeting them all, but I was more excited than anything else.”
Before Gill knew it, two months had passed with her working solo in Hydrotherapy, and then two months rolled into six years. Within that time, Gill had established strong bonds throughout the home, with residents, residents’ families, volunteers and staff alike. So, when it came to arranging her wedding nuptials in 2005, it felt like a natural decision for her wedding blessing ceremony to take place in Care for Veterans’ own chapel. The room was packed and Gill remembers the day fondly, referring to it as a “magical” memory, with many of the residents and staff in attendance.
September 2006, Gill with residents on a day trip
Around the same time that the cost of running the Hydrotherapy Pool became too steep, new plans were developed for Gifford House to receive an extension. This allowed for an extra wing and a well-proportioned Social and Recreation department (now known as the Wellbeing Hub). At this, Gill was asked if she’d work temporarily assisting carers on Elizabeth Wing (now known as Norfolk Wing) and, once Social and Recreation was ready, if she’d help run the Department. From 2007 until 2017, Gill worked hard as a Supervisor of the Social and Recreation Department, with support from assistants. With Gill and her team’s help, residents delved into various crafts and activities which stimulated them and helped to create close friendships.
In 2017, Gill adapted to new leadership and a re-structure at Care for Veterans which meant she’d no longer work in a supervisory capacity, but instead as a fellow Rehabilitation Coordinator alongside colleagues.
When asked how Care for Veterans has been so lucky to have retained her skills and company for the last 25 years, Gill said, “The years have flown by. I come to work with a smile, and I leave work with a smile. There is not a day here where I haven’t laughed. I’ve grown bonds here, it’s like home-from-home, like one big family.”
Gill felt it would be remiss not to mention a certain colleague who has been with her nearly every step of her 25-year journey. Gloria, a large stuffed gorilla, was donated to Gifford House only two days after Gill started work, on 12th April 2000. Gloria, named by the residents, has accompanied Gill from the Hydrotherapy Room, to the Elizabeth Wing, to the Social and Recreation Hub, and on several trips, sitting at the front of the Care for Veterans coach. Gill commented “Countless people have seen or know of Gloria thanks to her years here with us. To me, Gloria is Care for Veterans. She was here when we were the Queen Alexandra Hospital Home, then Care for Veterans and now as we move forward as part of the Royal Star & Garter Group.”
Countless things have changed since Gill joined Care for Veterans 25 years ago − the landscape, job titles, staff, residents and the name of the charity, but some things have remained the same. For Gill, the thing that hasn’t changed is also the reason she loves her job. Gill shared, “I love that I get to help residents achieve their potential and feel that there is a purpose.”
Care for Veterans’ Registered Manager Vanessa commented, “We are all so grateful to Gill for her years of service to our charity. The immense positive impact Gill has made to the disabled veterans in our care through her enthusiasm and dedication is both admirable and inspirational. Thank you, Gill.”
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