BOUQUET OF THE WEEK Lorraine smiles through the ops
AN INSPIRING mother who has undergone more than 30 operations has been named this week’s South Wales Echo Bouquet of the Week winner.
Lorraine Thompson, 66, from Canton, has been nominated by her husband for her positive and caring attitude and determination not to let her condition get in the way.
After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 38, Lorraine has had countless operations – most recently receiving a knee replacement three weeks ago.
Only four days later the mother-ofthree was rushed back to hospital with a perforated bowel, with no alternative but to have a life-saving bowel removal procedure.
Despite her condition, Lorraine is known for her refusal to talk about herself or let her pain get in the way.
Husband Andrew, 72, said: “Lorraine is just a really loving person who has had a lot of bad luck but has never let it get her down. She’s a really good mum and is the sort of woman who would ask how you are doing before talking about herself.
“She has had dozens of operations but will always be concerned about her children and family.”
After meeting aged 16 in the Top Rank ballroom in Queen Street, Andrew and Lorraine married in Cardiff in 1970. They have three daughters, Becky, Emily and Lucy. Lorraine said: “It hasn’t been easy. “I was diagnosed when I was 38 and was working and had children, so you just got on with it.
“When I got to my 50s it started to take its toll and I had to have operation after operation. The orthopaedics have kept me upright, they have done wonders and been absolutely fantastic from start to finish.”
The former supermarket manager added: “You have to keep positive.
“Andrew has been as good as gold and my daughters have been brilliant throughout it all.”
If you know someone who deserves an Echo Bouquet of the Week, email your nomination, with reasons, and your name, address and telephone number to echo.newsdesk@walesonline.co.uk. You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff, CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all nominees must agree to be photographed.