Betty Long (2 Sep 1936 - 9 Jan 2021)

A Tribute to Betty Long

By her Sons Stephen and Graham

Our wonderful and inspiring Mum was born in Hull on the Wednesday, 2nd September 1936. She grew up with 4 strong-willed brothers during the war and the challenging years that followed. It was a demanding time for everyone. In later years it became obvious that Mum’s inner-strength and determination were forged during those early years. She was strong-willed, resolute and, with 4 lively brothers to contend with, often quite feisty! Thank goodness that Linda came along in 1955 to help her fight the battle of the sibling sexes. Most of all though, our Mum was caring, loving and compassionate. For mum it was always about how she could help others. That was why she became a nurse.

Mum’s vocation was sealed but the route she sought to achieve her ambition was, typically, pioneering for the time. Rather than work locally, in 1953 Mum decided to stretch her wings and relocate to train at the Leeds Royal Infirmary, some 65 miles away from home. This sense of adventure, fuelled by ambition, became a trait throughout Mum’s life.

It was in Leeds that Mum met Dad and they married in 1958, a marriage that lasted for 58 years until Dad passed away in December 2016. A jovial Hull versus Leeds rivalry persisted throughout their loving time together. They bantered about many things, even the number of bomb raids that the Luftwaffe mounted on the 2 cities during the war. For the record Mum, it was Hull 82, Leeds 9.

Mum took a career break when we were born but it certainly didn’t take her long to get back in the saddle! We always assumed that that it was Dad who sought new opportunity ‘down South’ back in 1965. On reflection, we suspect that Mum was the real driving force. She was fearless. Certainly, when Dad made moves to return to Yorkshire during the late sixties it was Mum’s wishes, stemming from her total devotion to the career she had developed helping others, that prevailed. With 2 young sons, life back on the wards was a challenge so, in typical Mum-style, she decided to retrain to become a district nurse. Oh, the experimental medical procedures that we had to endure during that period! We were bandaged and splinted relentlessly. We had thermometers inserted and blood pressure tested. In the end, not only did Mum qualify as a district nurse but she also studied hard in the evenings to gain her National Diploma of Nursing. Even that wasn’t enough giving for Mum. She also volunteered to work at a local youth club where, one evening, her nursing skills came in particularly handy. One of the little treasures was playing darts and, inadvertently, missed the dartboard but scored a bullseye direct into mum’s calf.

One of the benefits of being a district nurse at the time was a generous car allowance. During the early years, sensible small nimble cars were chosen. A Morris Minor … a Hillman Imp. Then, a Morris Oxford! This was a huge car for the time and Mum had to sit on a cushion to drive it. The car never fazed her. Nothing ever did.

Mum and Dad’s life plan was to retire together and travel. Dad was fortunate enough to be able to retire at 56 years of age and Mum dutifully ‘retired’ as Director of Nursing and Quality after over 30 years with the NHS. She was 55. Mum and Dad travelled the world together; however, there was no stopping Mum’s devotion to others. She was soon restless and became a founding member of Fair Havens Hospice. She served on the management committee for over 10 years and was chair for the last 3. She was also appointed a non-executive director of the local NHS trust and was a director of Phoenix Housing, a community housing charity that accommodated people with mental illness.

Despite all her philanthropic work, Mum’s central focus remained her loving family. Her husband and sons. Her brothers and sister. Her nephews and nieces. And, most precious, her 4 grandchildren: Edward, Kristine, Richard and Matthew.

Mum always wanted to make a difference. And she did. We love you Mum. Thank you.