Poole care home residents share stories of inspirational women
BEM recipient Hazel Porter lives at Alexandra House for voluntary work
Care home residents in Poole are marking International Women's Day today (Saturday 8th March) by sharing stories of inspirational females.
They include Hazel Porter, who lives at Alexandra House in Parkstone, who was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her voluntary work as a first aider.
She picked up her skills during her career as a British Gas lab technician, and then volunteered with St John Ambulance in Parkstone for 25 years.
Her role as a Serving Sister meant she then trained others in first aid, to spread the expertise further.
Hazel said: “I was very proud but very shocked to be nominated. I didn’t think that I deserved it. It was a wonderful day when I received the medal. I remember it being a sunny day in October and I was thrilled because I like looking around historic buildings, especially as it wasn’t open to the public.
“I had a brother and a sister who I used to help if they hurt themselves, so it was natural for me to join St John’s Ambulance to look after other people. You were taught everything you needed to keep people alive including how to stop bleeding, the signs of a stroke and a heart attack. It was nice to know that I have helped people.”
Residents at Alexandra House will enjoy a discussion group today for International Women’s Day, where they will talk about some inspirational women, including Hazel.
Georgie Powell, Home Manager at Alexandra House, said: “Hazel is an inspirational lady who is a joy for the team to care for and she is very supportive of the other residents at Alexandra House. She has led an incredible life and it’s lovely for her to share her story with us for International Women’s Day.
At Care South, we love to get to know our residents on an individual basis and champion their incredible achievements, stories and experiences."