Vena Lawrence (9 Feb 1960 - 27 Aug 2015)

In loving memory of Vena Lawrence, 09.02.1960 - 27.08.2015

Vena Margaret Whittaker was born in Highgate, London, but from early infancy was brought up in Selling, near Faversham, Kent, by parents Jim and Peggy Whittaker.

Despite suffering childhood epilepsy, Vena enjoyed an upbringing free from today's health and safety obsession, being allowed to run, play and have fun without first carrying out a risk assessment!

Rural Kent in the 1960s was yet to be savaged by use as a dormitary for the Greater London Council, and children still played and frolicked in fields orchards and oasthouses, unlike today's who see more tower blocks than hay stacks, and more urban sprawl devouring the fields, while industrial estates destroy the orchards and Wetherspoons impersonate the oasthouses.

Every year, the family, including Vena's sister, Teresa, would holiday at St Mary's Bay near Dymchurch. She retained a strong affection for the area into adulthood, often visiting, taking the kids and allowing them to experience the precious memories, most importantly, The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway!

In 1975 she met a young soldier, Alan Lawrence, and in 1979 they were married - a marriage that endured for 36 years, until her passing.

On leaving school Vena worked for Boots the Chemist in Faversham - Alan had left the army by then and it wasn't long before the couple's thoughts turned towards increasing the size of their family. !n 1981 the birth of Kathryn brought about the start of this process. They added Kirsty in 1984, and although they weren't planning on further additions, in 1991 Michael was an unexpected but delightful surprise!

Her adaptability and versatility led the family to have an interesting life: In the 80s and 90s Alan made a living singing and playing his guitar in pubs and clubs. Deciding more money could be made as a duo, Alan taught her how to play keyboards. All of a sudden Alan found work easier to get and that the duo were proving popular . Vena has always attributed this to her musical skills and not the crop tops and micro mini skirts she used to almost wear while tinkling the ivories!

Since childhood Vena's ambition was to be a nurse, but she was always put off by thoughts of insecurity and lack of confidence. She often used to say how grateful she was to Alan for dragging her down to MId Kent College one day and almost forcing her to sign up for the Access to Healthcare Course. She said that if left to herself, she would never have taken that step independently.

Four years later, a proud staff nurse, she began her career, on Phoenix Ward at Medway Maritime Hospital - the same place she ended her career 15 years later.

She was a quick learner, and much admired and respected by colleagues and patients. Many students have expressed their admiration for her knowledge and ability to convey good practice, with patience and empathy.

It didn't take her long to be promoted to Clinical Sister - a role she enjoyed, allowing her to combine hands on and managerial work.

It was, I think, about 2005 when she won a bravery award for tackling an armed drug addict who had broken through a window from an upper floor. Later, colleagues described her as 'like a little rottweiller' as she snarled at the intruder to 'get away from my patient'!

Sadly, life took an unexpected turn, when in November 2013 Vena was diagnosed with breast cancer. After two operations and much chemo she amazed everyone by returning to work, in January 2015. Heartbreakingly she was only able to continue until April, when she started developing symptoms of progression of the cancer.

She was a formidible fighter and she certainly gave that cancer a run for it's money, refusing to give in until the very end.

She passed away on 27th August 2015, leaving her husband, three children, MIchael, Kathryn and Kirsty, three grandsons, Finn, Dexter and Ollie, with a granddaughter due in December that tragically she will never see or hold.

RIP Vena. She will never be forgotten.