Thurston nurse Sonia Denny celebrates 50 years of working for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
A nurse who began her career at West Suffolk Hospital 50 years ago is celebrating her golden anniversary.
Sonia Denny, from Thurston, started as a nursing cadet, living in Batt House in Hospital Road, in 1972.
More than 50 years later, the district nursing sister has received a special award from West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust chief nurse Sue Wilkinson to celebrate her achievement.
“I want to thank you for all the hours and years you have given to the NHS, and all the innovative ways of working you have championed to keep our patients safe," said Sue.
"Well done, Sonia, and thank you so much for all that you have done and continue to do for our patients.”
Born in Norfolk in 1955, Sonia moved to Suffolk as a schoolgirl.
She said: "From a young age I wanted to be a nurse or a special needs teacher.
"My mum and dad had seven children and the family didn’t have a lot. They gave me strength and supported me to stay on at school and through my training.”
Sonia qualified as a state registered nurse in 1976, and as a gift her father bought her a silver belt buckle which she still wears with great pride.
As well as achieving her registration, she also won the annual Joyce Cockram award - a staff recognition award named in honour of Bury's first female doctor.
During the same year, Sonia married her husband Richard, who she says has been a great support throughout her career.
Her career continued to develop through a variety of posts, until 1989 when she joined the community services team in West Suffolk.
“For 12 happy years I worked with GP surgeries, including specialising in wound care and setting up courses on leg ulcer care," added Sonia. "I realised when you are educated further, you can really make a difference and have always focused on constant personal development.”
Away from work, Sonia and Richard have travelled across India helping to support orphanages and hospitals caring for HIV patients. They also sponsor a young man named Sanyassi.
In 2016, Sonia was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukamia, which along with the pandemic, forced to take a break from work on special leave.
"It’s so hard to explain the fatigue you have with leukaemia, and my experience has helped me care for patients I see who often have fatigue," said Sonia.
“Thankfully, I am in remission, after four years of chemotherapy and regular tests. If you survive for two years, it may not come back, and all the signs are good.
"If it had not been for research and chemotherapy, I would not be here today. I have seen the development of medicine, research that has improved diagnosis, and treatments that improve quality of life.”
Until recently, Sonia was working as a link nurse in a joint post between WSFT and Suffolk County Council.
However after celebrating her momentous anniversary, she has recently started a new role supporting patients to be cared for in their homes.
Sue added: "Sonia is a true inspiration, her ability to flex and adapt to the ever-evolving changes across nursing over the years has been and is brilliant.
"She continues to be a real trailblazer. Providing care to patients in their own home is so very important and interventions such as administering intravenous antibiotics and blood transfusions are key enablers to do this.”
