Published on: 11 November 2024
WARNING: the following content may be distressing and/or upsetting as it describes the outcome of an explosion.
A courageous NHS colleague and ex-army medic was honoured with the role of carrying the Book of Remembrance at this year’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday (9 November), to honour the sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces community.
The Book of Remembrance is a permanent record that commemorates the lives lost from war and other military operations, listing the names and dates of those who are to be remembered.
Hayley Lawrence, a Clinical Nurse Educator at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, received the honour after devoting 20 years of service to the military as a combat medical technician and a mental health nurse.
Hayley said: “After 20 years of service I was medically discharged from the army. I was involved in an explosion that injured both myself, my boss at the time and other personnel. I remember my boss was severely injured so I did everything I could to keep him stable for as long as possible as well as making sure the other personnel were safe on a helicopter and away from the area.
“I managed to keep my boss alive for longer than I had anticipated but, unfortunately, he didn’t survive it. As a result of the prolonged waiting and attending to others, my injuries also worsened.
“I found it extremely hard to leave the army and transition into a different life. I was not ready to end my career, but my physical and mental state meant I had no choice but to leave. I became a Clinical Nurse Educator at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, teaching the psychiatrists and mental health professionals of the future – and, thanks to the help of Derbyshire Healthcare’s Armed Forces Staff Network, I was able to receive the right bespoke support and adjust to the change at my own pace. I owe a lot to the network and the Trust at what was a difficult time.”
Hayley is now Vice Chair of the Trust’s Armed Forces Staff Network – an employee support network run jointly with another NHS Trust, Derbyshire Community Health Services, which ensures that the Trust is a great place to work if you are ex-forces or a reservist, with pro-active recruitment and support for people leaving the Forces. The network is also looking to make sure that the Trust provides great care to ex-forces personnel, in line with the NHS commitment to prioritise care for veterans. The Trust has been shortlisted for two national awards this year as a result.
At the Festival of Remembrance, organised by the Royal British Legion, Hayley carried the Book of Remembrance with Alex Lowe, ex-Infantry in the rifles regiment, as Alexandra Burke performed the song ‘Rise Up’. The event marked the sacrifices of those who have defended the country and highlighted the importance of our Armed Forces community – both past and present.
“It was a huge honour to carry the Book of Remembrance and be in the company of such inspiring people. I know a few people who had served and are listed in the book, so this was an enormous privilege to be a part of such a momentous day.”
Natalie Dean, Senior Clinical Nurse Educator at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust praised Hayley for her hard work and dedication to the Armed Forces Community and at the Trust.
She said: “When we first interviewed Hayley, we recognised that she would be a significant asset to the team. Hayley uses her lived experience of trauma as an invaluable tool to help teach the doctors of tomorrow as well as her many years of experience in teaching and field medicine.
“We're exceptionally proud to have her as a member of our team in medical education. Thanks to her positive approach to work, passion and drive she is a fantastic role model for all.”
Their Majesties the King and Queen were joined by members of the royal family at the Royal British Legion's event, hosted by Adrian Lester. Music artists also took to the stage, including performances from Sir Tom Jones, Jack Savoretti, Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, Samantha Barks, Alexandra Burke and Jake Isaac. The Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the Bands of HM Royal Marines gave displays of military music.
Did you miss it? You can watch the event back on the BBC website.
