Award-winning and history-making NSFT staff mark Remembrance Day
As the country stopped to remember those who have fallen and served in conflict on Remembrance Sunday, a group of veterans, representing Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), marched past the Cenotaph in London and laid a wreath of poppies.
Wayne Ward, Senior Armed Forces and Veterans Practitioner for NSFT, led the group of 18 veterans as they paid their respects at the Remembrance event in the capital.
It is the fourth year the group has laid a wreath at what is the nation's focal point of Remembrance and Wayne said it's a moment he is incredibly proud of: "It is an honour to represent NSFT. It is difficult to explain how amazing it feels marching past the Cenotaph. To know I am representing the armed services, and NSFT's Veterans Integrated Service, whilst fellow veterans are cheering and clapping you, means so much. It is the highlight of our year."
Whilst the day is a highlight for Wayne, he explains it is full of mixed emotions: "It is enjoyable but emotional at the same time. I always meet up with people I have served with, or those I haven't seen in many years. Those connections are special, and we share memories, some of which make us laugh and some which make us cry. It is a sombre day, but it is a time to reflect and appreciate each other. Whilst we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we also celebrate the living who took time serving their country."
Wayne's march at the Cenotaph came just a few days after he and colleague Vicky Bailey attended a prestigious awards ceremony on HMS Belfast to collect a coveted gold award in recognition of the exceptional support NSFT offers to the armed forces community.
The accolade is the highest badge of honour an employer can receive. It recognises and rewards organisations who advocate for servicemen and women, reservists, veterans and their families. It has been presented to the Trust through the Government's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme 2025 and NSFT was awarded the gold after demonstrating the significant steps it has taken to support the armed forces community.
Vicky, NSFT's Veterans Clinical Nurse Specialist, said attending the awards ceremony on HMS Belfast was an evening she will never forget: "We had a wonderful night. The HMS Belfast was a magnificent place for us to receive our award and it was a great honour to be around such inspiring military personnel and the other gold winners."
Anthony Deery, Chief Nurse at NSFT, said: "I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work of our teams which have led to us achieving this gold award. Our armed forces are an incredibly valuable part of our community, and we are committed to supporting individuals, families and carers, both during and after their service."
Meanwhile, one member of staff who made history in the Royal Navy will also be taking part in events to remember those who have served in the military.
Michelle Hayman is a Management Support Administrator for the South Older People's Team but spent four years in the Navy between 1988 and 1992.
In that time, Michelle became the first woman to shoot a firearm in the Navy.
Michelle was working as a Naval administrator at the time and was chosen to showcase changes in government policy which allowed women recruits to go to sea. She said: "Up until then, women were not permitted to carry a firearm, go to sea, or serve on the front-line. It was very controversial decision.
"I was one of four women to showcase female recruits going to sea. All the media attended Plymouth's Naval training base, and I was given a sub-machine gun to fire. It was a surreal moment as I had my handbag over one shoulder and the firearm over the other, but it was also a significant time for women and the navy.
"I am very proud to have been part of that moment, and to have served my country. Remembrance Day allows me to not only reflect on those who have died and fought in combat, but also on how far we have come and how change can be for the better."