The most beautiful things in life are not things....

They’re people and places and memories and pictures.

They’re feelings and moments, smiles and laughter.

This poem sums up how Staff Nurse Kath Walker felt as she said her last goodbyes this week after 41 years of nursing. 

Her colleagues have been everything - one even designed the board based around chocolate bar wrappers. See full version attached.

Kath from Medical Outpatients knew she wanted to be a nurse from the age of 12 and started Pupil Nurse training in 1978 at the Willows School of Nursing in Halifax, to then qualifying in 1980. 

She started as a qualified Nurse in Ward 7 at Halifax General, which was care of the elderly ward and she absolutely loved caring for older people.

Kath said: "They have so many interesting stories to tell, and are so grateful for any help they get, so caring for people becomes such a pleasure. The highlights of my career are difficult to pin point. I suppose, being given the opportunity to be a nurse. Qualifying as an Enrolled Nurse, and later completing my conversion course to become a Registered Nurse.

"Acting up as a Sister in Outpatients, to cover maternity leave was an experience I will never forget. Along with my amazement at getting an ‘A’ for an essay  during a Cardiology course at Huddersfield University.

" I enjoyed teaching any student seconded to wherever I was based. Helping them on their journey however I could and I have had lots of lovely comments/feedback from recent students.

"Meeting so many wonderful people along the way. Helping and caring to the best of my abilities."

She added: "I have always felt so privileged working for the NHS, what it stands for and the fact that I was part of such a wonderful institution. I do worry as to how things have become and what will happen in the future, as there are fewer people applying to do their Nurse training.

"As for the chocolate board. Well that was, I believe a tribute to myself, including my role as a moving and handling facilitator and was the work of Connie Gott - an amazing nurse I have had the privilege to work with for many years."

The chocolate board includes references Twix, Time-Out and Twirl wrappers and for the full message see attached.

We wish you the best Kath!