Commemorating yesterday’s heroes
On 4th June 2018, the Nursing Memorial Appeal achieved the first of its two objectives: a permanent memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to all the VAD and professional nurses who lost their lives in the 1st and 2nd World Wars. It was dedicated in the presence of HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO (now HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO).
Supporting tomorrow’s savers of lives
We have now moved to our second, ongoing objective: to create a living legacy supporting today’s student nurses, thereby sustaining a permanent link between yesterday’s heroes and tomorrow’s savers of lives.
In today’s climate of tuition fees, acquiring the necessary nursing qualifications will already ensure the average student is burdened with debt for many years. Additionally, on a day-to-day basis, many struggle with routine living expenses. Yet we’re constantly reminded of the need for more nurses, in an increasingly uncertain world.
Whereas conflict, humanitarian and crisis nursing usually meant going abroad in the past, it can just as likely be needed on our doorstep today. Terrorism and rising crime occur on our home turf, and tomorrow’s nurses will be expected to cope with its consequences. We have always relied on their dedication, and we can ourselves make a humanitarian gesture by helping and encouraging them.
It is often the relatively little things that make a big difference – extra training materials, a new laptop, travel expenses, even having enough to eat! So, we created the Bursary Buddy Award Scheme, modest but practical awards of £1,000 (there’s a £500 Bursary Buddy as well) to provide a helping hand in times of need.
N.B. The £1,000 scheme was officially launched on 2nd October 2024 in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO. Go to our News page for more details, and our Donate page should you wish to make a contribution.