Christine Geller always wanted to be a nurse from when she was a little girl.  Aged five, she was in hospital having her tonsils out and saw the nurses caring for people, making beds and going about their work on the ward  and decided that's the job for me.

Thirty eight years later - aged 43 - she  finally went to university and achieved her dream job. And, after 19 years nursing last Friday she retired. 

Christine, explained: “I had always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was little and it hasn’t disappointed. Life got in the way at first but I finally became a nurse.  Every day is different and, of course, there are ups and down... but the team on Ward 10 have been amazing.

"I have seen a lot of people come and go and it’s the people I will miss. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from the best (ward manager Kathy Clune), she really inspires me, and it’s been a privilege.

"In the meantime I plan to spend time with the grand-kids and I plan to go travelling. Currently I will be going on a cruise and  visiting Poland and Sri Lanka."

When she first applied for nursing she was told she was too young so went to London nannying for seven years. After that she went to Malaysia where she was a infant school teacher. But when she came back and her children had grown-up she dug out her GCSEs and headed back to university in pursuit of the job she had always wanted.

She added: "It was very strange writing essays but I really enjoyed it. I always wanted to look after and care for people and I got there in the end."

Ward Clerk, Dawn Moss, added: “Christine is truly a kind and thoughtful person with a sweet tooth (Cake pic attached).She is well-loved on the ward and she will certainly be missed.”