Daughter’s tribute to mum who was devoted children’s nurse
SHE WAS WELL KNOWN AND RESPECTED AT HOSPITAL TRUST
THE daughter of a children’s nurse has paid a moving tribute to her mum who died from cancer.
Judy Veale, 64, devoted her life to helping others as a senior sister in the children’s clinic at Queen’s Hospital in Burton.
She died on November 21 from lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, having been diagnosed with it in November 2020.
She had three children – Rebecca, Naomi and son Charlie, who died in 2014 – and husband Kevin.
Rebecca said: “Mummy was very kind and caring, which were good qualities to have to be a nurse. She was a good friend to lots of people.
“She was a fabulous mum, too. She was trained to care for adults and children, which is unusual. Apart from a year in A&E she focused on caring for children.
“She always said when adults got better they still moaned but when children got better they went to play, which she loved.
“She’d always been great with parents who’d lost children but when we lost Charlie, at 21, it gave her a new appreciation of how they felt.
“Mummy inspired Naomi to become a community nurse. She was a great support to her when she was doing all her training.”
Judy had gone to university to study economics but quickly realised it was not for her. Speaking to her tutor, he said he knew the head of nursing at the college in Sheffield and she joined Burton Hospitals as a paediatric bank nurse in February 2001.
She became a popular, permanent member of staff, treating countless children and ran the children’s clinic “efficiently and professionally”.
She spent many months in hospital following her cancer diagnosis, but received her long service award to mark 20 years in the profession.
Judy died at her home in Clifton Campville, near Tamworth, surrounded by family.
Rebecca said: “We thought she had a bit more time but it was very quick. She’d been in hospital a long time, but as soon as we found out she was palliative, we got her home – that’s where she wanted to be.
“We were all there with her.”
Queen’s Hospital held a minute’s silence in Judy’s memory, with colleagues remembering her talent and ability to build relationships with families. Gavin Boyle, chief executive of the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “She was well known within the trust and respected by all those who had the pleasure of working with her or had dealings with her, both on a professional and personal basis.
“Judy forged excellent relationships with the families that were in her care, especially those that required an extra little TLC.
“Judy’s colleagues have told me that her reputation went before her as the baker of delicious cakes, which she treated staff to on a regular basis – something that the consultants will vouch for as they often enjoyed cake with a cup of coffee in Judy’s clinic. “Our thoughts are with Judy’s family and friends at this time.”
Judy’s funeral will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Clifton Campville, Tamworth, at noon on December 14.
Mummy was very kind and caring, which were good qualities to have to be a nurse.
Daughter Rebecca