International Women’s Day
Natalie is a Chief Petty officer in the Royal Navy, but she is also a mum of two, a wife, and a volunteer dedicated to supporting families in the Portsmouth area. She shared with us how she got involved in the Royal Navy, what she finds most rewarding, and her role in the Royal Navy Group (186) which supports families in the Portsmouth area. Every Easter, the group takes naval children who may have disabilities, additional needs or other welfare issues away to enjoy a pilgrimage holiday in Lourdes in the South of France. Last year, Natalie travelled as the Group Nurse and will be the Deputy Group Leader this year. The RNRMC has provided funding for the pilgrimage holiday this year, ensuring that it remains accessible for as many families as possible.
Natalie’s Story
“I joined the Royal Navy in 2012 after qualifying as an Adult Nurse from Sheffield Hallam University, I have recently been promoted to Chief Petty Officer. My time has mostly been spent in my clinical role in Queen Alexandra Hospital as a Sister in the Emergency Department, during this time I have had opportunities to travel onboard the RFA Argus, and worked with the Commando Forward Surgical Group, I have also deployed out to Sierra Leone to assist during the Ebola crisis. I have also done plenty of adventurous training including to NOCG in Germany.
In my role as a Nurse, the human interaction and seeing the real difference you can make by supporting people through what could be some of the most difficult times in their life is both challenging and rewarding. Over the last couple of years, I have been involved in the HCPT charity, this has been a highlight for me as we make a palpable difference to the families we help.”
Commenting on the work they do with families and how she got involved, she said:
“Every Easter, we take naval children who may have disabilities, additional needs or other welfare issues away to enjoy a pilgrimage holiday in Lourdes in the South of France. They are supported by volunteer helpers, nurses and priests.”
This year, RNRMC is providing funding for the Pilgrimage to ensure that it remains accessible to as many families as possible.
Photo - Pilgrimage 2023: Natalie and Zack- one of the children who travelled last year at the Candlelight Procession.
“Lots of Nurses I knew had previously been involved with HCPT as some of the children have healthcare needs- each group would usually have a nurse travelling to provide this. Last year I travelled as the Group Nurse and will be travelling in the capacity as Deputy Group Leader this year- we are taking 9 children with 15 adult helpers.”
Natalie is also a busy mum of two, and when asked how she balances this alongside her commitments, she told us:
“I have 2 children, Emilia age 7, Arthur age 3 and a very supportive husband (Keiron). We have a good childcare set up which allows me to manage everything, but some days are still pretty hectic! I explain to the children, and they understand why the Pilgrimage is so important to me and they are happy to ‘share their Mammy’ for a week at Easter.”
When asked what advice she would give to young girls thinking of going down a similar route to her, she told us that:
“The Royal Navy offers great opportunities, chances to do things out of the ordinary including sport and adventurous training. We are given Leadership and Management training which equips us to become dynamic leaders, we are pushed out of our comfort zone and encouraged to develop ourselves constantly.”
Some links Natalie wanted to share:
- 8th March we are hosting ‘Women in the Royal Navy Webinar’
