Inspiration struck for Laura Fitton, Ward Sister at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI), when the UK entered into its initial lockdown. Laura felt it was important to remain upbeat and positive during this turbulent period and decided to revisit her childhood hobby of writing, using this artistic skill to help the NHS.
Drawing upon her own life experiences – including family recollections, memories of her old pets, and insights into her career as a frontline nurse – Laura scribbled away until she had assembled a full poetry book. Entitled ‘’Guardian Angel’’, the compendium is filled with touching pieces that will bring a smile to the faces of those struggling through these difficult times.
It can currently be purchased for £9.99 and, for each sale, £1 will be donated to the DBTH charity. There, the money will go towards the Trust’s ‘’Rainbow Garden Appeal’’, where it will help fund create two gardens, one at DRI and one at Bassetlaw Hospital. These areas are in memory of all those who have sadly lost their lives to Covid-19 at the Trust, including two colleagues, Kevin Smith and Dr Medhat Atalla, and will be a place for families, and colleagues, to go to reflect and remember.
Speaking about Guardian Angel, Laura said: ‘’This project really kept me going throughout lockdown and I found the writing process to be incredibly therapeutic, as I knew I was going to dedicate the book to the memory of my best friend Sofie. I thought it would be quite fitting, as she would have wanted the money to go towards a good cause.
‘It is my hope that Guardian Angel will provide a little solace and comfort to those who are finding these times to be difficult. It will be a coping mechanism for anyone who is struggling right now and will bring them strength. We all have to take care of one another in whatever way we can and this is just my way of doing that. On that note, I would like to thank everyone who has supported and inspired me throughout the creation of this project. It means a lot.’’
Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive of DBTH, said: ‘’On behalf of the Trust, I would like to express my gratitude to Laura for this amazing gesture. Her beautiful verses are guaranteed to lift the spirits of readers and not only that but it will also make a big difference by helping us to build our rainbow gardens. She is an absolute credit to Team DBTH.’’
To purchase a copy of Guardian Angel, please email laurafitton6@gmail.com or reach out to her Author Facebook page. Meanwhile, to find out more about the DBTH rainbow garden appeal, please visit https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/charity/rainbow-gardens/