I beat cancer now I’ll be a life-saver
Brave Katie aims to be medic like NHS heroes who treated her as 14-year- old
An inspirational teen has decided to become a nurse just like the hero NHS medics who helped her beat cancer.
Katie Watson, from Maybole, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, aged just 14.
Now the 18-year-old has opted to join the ranks of NHS heroes after watching how they helped people at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.
After being diagnosed, Katie underwent two years of oral chemotherapy before getting a bone marrow transplant in 2019.
Katie revealed her mind was made up on becoming a nurse after going through surgery.
She is now celebrating a major milestone as she has just begun studying paediatric nursing at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Katie said: “I had wanted to be a nurse before my treatment but going through that experience made my mind up.
“The whole team were amazing, quite inspiring.
“Once the nurses knew that’s what I wanted to be, they would talk me through and explain what they were doing. They would for example show me how to take my own blood pressure. They fed me with knowledge.
“I also think, being through what I have such as my transplant, will help to make me a good nurse. I know how the person in that bed feels, so when my time comes to nurse I will have that insight.”
Katie was treated in a number of wards on the Queen Elizabeth site, including the paediatric oncology ward 6A.
Senior charge nurse Emma Somerville remembers Katie well and insists she’ll be a top nurse.
Emma said: “The team and I are delighted to hear how well Katie is doing and that she has started university!
“She always has a very positive attitude and this had a positive effect on other young people in the ward.
“She took every day as it came and I think that really helped get her through her treatment.
“We are also so proud her experience inspired her to become a children’s nurse.
“It’s a real boost for us and we’re delighted for her that this is coming true. This type of feedback from patients makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“Good luck Katie!” Katie is now living in Glasgow and making the most of student life.
She said: “I’m enjoying living in university halls in Glasgow.
“I’ve always been quite independent and enjoy being out and about in the city.
“The course is going great and I’m looking forward to starting placements soon.
“I’m really excited about learning more about being a paediatric nurse and being able to give something back.
“I want to make children feel better – just like the hospital staff did for me.”