'My husband will never see me in my NHS uniform': Grandmother's bittersweet achievement

The big picture: After working as an occupational therapy assistant at Ipswich Hospital for over two decades, Lymburn, 55, completed her apprenticeship with first-class honours through East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). She is the first person to complete an occupational therapy apprenticeship at the Trust.

Behind the achievement: "I'm so proud to finally wear an OT uniform – but I'm so sad Gary will never get to see me wear it," says Lymburn, whose husband died of cancer at 52 on New Year's Eve last year.

Her journey:

• Started at Ipswich Hospital 21 years ago as an occupational therapy assistant
• Completed a level 3 NVQ in health and social care
• Earned a foundation degree
• Began OT apprenticeship in 2022
• Achieved first-class honours despite taking a break during her husband's illness

"Training without working was never an option – I just couldn't afford it, so being able to study while being employed was fantastic," Lymburn says. "Gary was so supportive all through those years and when he was poorly I nearly stopped the course, but he said 'you've worked so damn hard, don't stop now.'"

Current role: Lymburn now works in the REACT (Reactive Emergency Assessment Community Team), supporting patients in crisis at home to prevent hospital admissions.

The bottom line: "Age isn't a barrier to learning and I know he'd be so proud of me," says Lymburn, who has two grown-up children and three grandchildren. Her achievement demonstrates how personal determination, combined with workplace support, can help people reach their professional goals at any stage of life.

You can find out more about apprenticeship opportunities on the ESNEFT website.