Meet the nurses, carers and kitchen staff giving up their Christmas Day
Meet the nurses and care workers who are giving up their Christmas Day to look after others.
When you sit down for your festive dinner, spare a thought for the likes of Karen Cubberly, 57, from Telford, who will be ensuring elderly residents at The Coppice can enjoy their festive dinner on the big day.
Instead of spending time with her eight children and ten grandchildren, Karen will be peeling sprouts and baking treats for residents at the extra care scheme in Shrewsbury, which is operated by The Wrekin Housing Group.
Karen said: “My children are a little bit older now. We tend to celebrate on Christmas Eve with a buffet, and we’ll have our Christmas dinner on Boxing Day.
“I do love working here at The Coppice. Many of the residents may not be able to see their family over Christmas so we try to make it as special as we can for them.”
Amelia Stonehewer, 33, is a nurse at Limewood – an award-winning care home for people with dementia.
Amelia is one of the members of staff who have volunteered to work on Christmas Day.
Instead of opening up presents with her family, Amelia will be ensuring that Limewood’s residents get all the care and support they need.
She said: "I come from a family of nurses – my sister and auntie are both in the profession so there’s always been one of us who has worked over Christmas. It’s an honour to be there for our residents – they can’t spend the day with their own families so we do everything we can to be make it special for them.”
2021 was another challenging year for everyone in the nursing and care profession. December is always an incredibly busy period for the staff at Limewood, but this year is busier than ever as everyone continued to pull together to meet the challenges posed by Covid-19.
Amelia added:
“The past couple of years have been tough with residents separated from their families during the height of the pandemic. It was incredibly hard for me and others - Limewood is like a second family. But it was very much a privilege to be part of their lives and provide care, comfort and support.”
Having worked several Christmas Days in the past, Senior Support worker Debbye Rowlye knows what to expect. This will be the fifth Christmas that Debbye has spent away from her family.
She said: “My Christmas Day will happen Boxing Day with my three children and two grandchildren. My family are really understanding and accept that it’s part of my job.
Debbye said: “I’ve never felt like I’ve missed out – it’s just as fulfilling as spending the day at home. Christmas can be a very lonely time for people, but we do our upmost to make it special for residents. We’ll send photographs and set up video calls with families who can’t be here to spend it with their loved ones.”
23rd December 2021