My purple New Balance trainers are one of my greatest treasures. They were a gift from my Mother and Father and turned out one of the last things my Dad ever bought me as several month later he sadly died of prostate cancer in 2014. My parents arrived in the UK as part of the Windrush generation and were my first role models and integral in my career. Although my dad did not get to see me take up my Chief Nurse post on 30th March 2020 of which only 4% of BAME nurses hold, I know he would be proud.
Following my Father’s death, I became a volunteer and campaigner for Prostate Cancer UK. My trainers have been my companion on the number of fundraising activities including the March for Men and the London Mayors Festival in 2019.
This last 18 months has been a difficult time for all of us and like many working on the front line I have had many sleepless nights. One day in January 2021 I put on my trainers and started running which helped me to decompress. These trainers have weathered many storms and are one of my most valued possession. Each time I wear them I have fond memories of my Father and despite their years and weathering I can’t bring myself to throw them away.
