Retired nurse Winnie, 98, calls on South Tyneside community to support Clap for Carers

A retired nurse has pledged to show her passion for the NHS and is calling for families across South Tyneside to join her in clapping for our carers.
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Winnie Robb, 98, will be banging a pan on Thursday, April 16 to show her support for NHS staff and other key workers as part of the weekly Clap for Carers campaign.

At 8pm each Thursday, families are encouraged to put their hands together as a small thank you for the invaluable work being carried out by key workers across all industries.

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And Winnie, of Jarrow, is asking the community where she lives to make sure they show their support too.

Retired nurse Winnie, 98, shows her support to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.Retired nurse Winnie, 98, shows her support to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Retired nurse Winnie, 98, shows her support to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: “I have never known anything like the current situation but the nursing and caring staff are doing a brilliant job. It is so important we all get behind them.”

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Leaving school at just 14, Winnie went on to work as a nurse at West Sussex Convent Hospital where she helped take care of patients, helping with washing and feeding and taking them for walks.

She later returned home to Jarrow, married local lad Joe Robb and went on to have two daughters and a son.

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Son Aidan moved in to look after his mum when she became poorly, just days before the lockdown.

Winnie continued: “It was very lucky that Aidan was already here. It makes me sad that I can’t see my two daughters but Aidan has been very good, he is waiting on me hand and foot.”

Last week, mother and son took social media by storm after a video of them taking part in last Thursday’s Clap for Carers was shared online.

Now, they hope to see everyone else take part and pay their respects too.

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Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader at South Tyneside Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Winnie’s passion for the NHS and I love the fact that she is supporting the Clap for Carers campaign.

“I would encourage everyone to join with Winnie and join in Clap for Carers tomorrow night for all those working tirelessly to keep us safe.”

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