NHS75: 'Kent and Canterbury Hospital has always been part of my life'

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS – and the 75th birthday of mum and grandmother Jenny Reed as well.

Jenny was born at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital just a few months before the birth of the NHS and it has remained a key part of her life since then.

Her daughter worked at the hospital and for almost 20 years Jenny has volunteered her time as a trustee of the League of Friends, helping to raise vital funds to support staff and patients.

Jenny, of Oxford Road, Canterbury, said: “The connection really started with my dad, who was 10 when the hospital was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Kent in 1937. He was on guard duty that day and I still have the programme from the opening.

“I was born at the hospital in April 1948, before the NHS, and my mum then convalesced at a maternity home in the Dane John Gardens for a fortnight.

“It was a very different experience when my two grandchildren were born, and my daughter was home within a couple of days after an emergency caesarean section.”

Jenny’s two children were born with the support of the NHS, and the family continued to attend the Kent and Canterbury Hospital over the years.

When she retired from her role as a PA in the city’s magistrates’ court, she decided to use her time to help charitable and voluntary groups, and was recruited to the League of Friends of the hospital by former chairman and consultant and radiologist Stuart Field.

Jenny said: “I’ve been a trustee for almost 20 years and it has been a lot of fun. We have eight city and local village fundraising groups under the League of Friends’ banner who work hard organising their own events, and more than 50 volunteers work in the shops and in other roles.

“When I first retired I was involved with a lot of different groups and I’ve stepped back from most of them now but the hospital has always been a favourite of mine.

“It has always been a part of my life, and volunteering has been very enjoyable and never a chore.

“The proudest moment for us all was when we received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which was personally signed by the late Queen – it’s now on display on our noticeboards.

“A lot has changed over the years, and the League of Friends have been involved in helping to support developments at the hospital, including most recently the new surgical admissions lounge which will provide a comfortable environment for people who are coming in for elective surgery.”

The League of Friends welcomes new volunteers – find out more at https://www.lofkch.org.uk/

You can also donate to the League via their website.