AN NHS nurse was ‘surprised’ to be invited to King Charles's Coronation.
When cancer nurse Ruth Hendy first heard the news, she wondered if it was real or a hoax, and she even thought Ant and Dec might jump out and surprise her.
Ms Hendy - who has lived in Thornbury for 20 years - works for University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust as a lead cancer nurse.
She has spent more than 35 years working at the hospital trust and has been described by her colleagues as ‘empathetic’, ‘humble’ and as someone who works ‘tirelessly’ for her patients.
Ms Hendy was awarded a BEM in June 2021 for her services to people living with and affected by cancer.
She will now join around 2,000 other people, including celebrities, royal dignitaries, and politicians, at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, for King Charles III and Queen Camilla's Coronation.
“It’s a huge honour to be invited, and to be a part of such an important moment in history,” Ruth said.
“It is incredible. I feel like I’m there representing lots of people who have worked really hard for such a long time to do the best for people with cancer across Bristol and the surrounding area.”
“I’m really surprised. I did wonder whether it was a scam to start with and I joked with my friends that maybe Ant and Dec were going to jump out. Was this genuine?
“I did call the Cabinet Office myself to check. I was hugely surprised to find out it was true.”
Cate Mitchell, UHBW Divisional Lead Therapist for Oncology Services, who has worked with Ruth for ten years, said: “Ruth is a real advocate for all patients and their families with a cancer diagnosis.
“She works tirelessly to ensure that the patient is championed, and their needs always put first when services are being designed.
“The respect she has across other NHS Trusts, organisations, and charities has helped cross collaboration in our area to support the best possible inclusive cancer care for all patients.
“Ruth’s invitation to the Coronation is deserving recognition of the incredible work she has done to deliver excellent care for cancer patients. I’m delighted for her.”
“Ruth has been instrumental in supporting me to demonstrate how therapies and allied health professionals can contribute to patient care.
"Her endorsement and pursuit of improvement has made UHBW a leading organisation showcasing how therapies & other allied health professions can support people living with & beyond their cancer."
Ms Hendy first joined UHBW as a student nurse in 1987.
Before that she worked as a care assistant at a nursing home alongside her A-levels.
Ruth is urging anyone with cancer symptoms to get seen by their GP.
“Sadly, the numbers of people getting cancer continues to rise," she said.
“I would encourage people to see their GP as soon as they’re concerned about something.
“Most people know the key things to look out for but don’t necessarily respond to it as soon as possible.
“Please get checked out as soon as you’re concerned about something.
“The earlier cancer is diagnosed the better the outcomes will be.”
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