Alexandra House resident shares inspirational story ahead of International Women’s Day
Alexandra House care home resident has spoken about her voluntary work as a first aider ahead of International Women’s Day.
Hazel Porter BEM, who lives at Alexandra House care home on Alexandra Road in Parkstone, has spoken about how she was previously presented with a British Empire Medal (BEM) by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset. It was awarded in honour of her first aid services at work while working as a laboratory technician for British Gas, based in Parkstone, which she did for her whole career from around age 19 until she retired at 59.
Hazel was nominated for the medal by her colleagues, and remembers being joined by her mum, sister and best friend for the special occasion at Athelhampton House in Dorchester. The British Empire Medal is awarded in recognition of achievement or contribution of a ‘hands-on’ service to the community in their local geographical area.
Hazel learnt her first aid skills through her 25 years of volunteering for St John’s Ambulance in Parkstone, where she was honoured as a Serving Sister. She also taught first aid to other people to enable them to support people who are sick or injured.
She said: “I was very proud but very shocked to be nominated. I didn’t think that I deserved it. It was a wonderful day when I received the medal. I remember it being a sunny day in October and I was thrilled because I like looking around historic buildings, especially as it wasn’t open to the public.
“I had a brother and a sister who I used to help if they hurt themselves, so it was natural for me to join St John’s Ambulance to look after other people. You were taught everything you needed to keep people alive including how to stop bleeding, the signs of a stroke and a heart attack. It was nice to know that I have helped people.”
Residents at Alexandra House will enjoy a discussion group on Saturday 8 March for International Women’s Day, where they will talk about some inspirational women, including Hazel.
Georgie Powell, Home Manager at Alexandra House, said: “Hazel is an inspirational lady who is a joy for the team to care for and she is very supportive of the other residents at Alexandra House. She has led an incredible life and it’s lovely for her to share her story with us ahead of International Women’s Day. At Care South, we love to get to know our residents on an individual basis and champion their incredible achievements, stories and experiences.”
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Alexandra House is a recently built Care South home for residential and dementia care in Parkstone near Poole, Dorset. We are warmly welcoming new residents and inviting families and friends to share in the Food, Fun and Friendship on offer at this lovely Poole care home.
To find out more about Alexandra House click here