Donna Armstrong

Aged 39

Ward sister on a stroke rehab ward in Neath Port Talbot

I love being a nurse, always have and always will.

Being in management has been heartbreaking, you are the go-to for staff with their concerns and trying to support and boost morale has been exhausting.

As well as having my own fears and concerns and trying to keep sane. I am petrified and proud all rolled into one.

I’ve worked in many different health boards with hundreds of nurses and the support from everyone is off the charts. This virus is powerful, but it’s not as strong as the love and commitment of my comrades.

There is a shortage of PPE everywhere and guidelines seem to be changing a lot. Nobody wants to waste equipment, but nobody wants to feel unsafe.

The public’s response has been phenomenal, it has made me feel valued by the nation and to be a part of Nathan’s artwork is an honour. I cried when I first saw the piece and just thought I’m a part of history – just hope I’m around to show my son it when he’s older.

I’m scared for my health and my life, I just don’t want to leave my son without a mummy. But I took the oath to protect and care for patients and it is what I love to do. I just want to come out the other side with everyone I love.

I think Boris is doing a good job to be fair, [it] would just be nice if he could guarantee staff appropriate PPE.

To the nation I would like to say thanks for the support and stay in – don’t put people at risk who are trying to help.

It’s been an emotional month and it’s only the beginning. It just feels like we are standing at the beach waiting for a tsunami of ill patients to hit us... all the frontline workers in a line holding hands waiting for it to hit, holding as tight as we can so no-one gets swept away.

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