Joanne Timperley always wanted to look after sick children. When she was young, she would dress up in a nurse's outfit and would tag along to work with her mum, who was a radiographer.
But after leaving school without any A levels, she worried her dream wouldn't be possible. Undeterred, at the age of 21, she began working on the wards at the former Pendlebury Children's Hospital, after completing a degree at night school.
Joanne's biggest setback came at the age of 26, when she was diagnosed with hearing loss. She has to wear hearing aids and lip reads to communicate, but says it's never held her back.
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She now works as a matron at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, and cares for children and young people with cancer and blood disorders.
To celebrate International Nurses Day - which was on May 12 - she spoke of how she overcame her own challenges to save lives, and how she used her disability to empower others.
"It's a very challenging job at times, but I feel very privileged to be part of a young patient's journey," the 53-year-old from Oldham said. "But it’s not about me."
"I’m just pleased when a child finishes treatment and rings the end of treatment bell. If I can make a little bit of difference to their lives, that’s what I want. It’s all about what they’re going through."
After leaving school, Joanne began a degree at night school, where she completed a masters in Professional Nurse Advocacy. She progressed through her career in paediatric oncology and haematology and, in 2018, was promoted to matron in the speciality.
"I’ve seen lots of changes throughout my time, including advancements in treatment and I’ve had lots of personal development opportunities," she said.
Joanne has worked on the frontline in the country's fight against childhood cancers. Since 1970, survival rates have more than doubled, according to Cancer Research UK.
Today, children and young people from all over the world are treated in the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital unit, where she works.
She's also used her own hearing loss to inspire others into the profession. "Some people worry that hearing loss might hold them back, but I hope they are encouraged when they see me in a matron’s uniform," she said.
Joanne recalls inspiring a staff nurse who had a hearing disability, to progress in her own career after learning about her own success.
However resilient she is, Joanne says there are times when her job is tough. "Every once in a while, when a child dies, I might have a little cry on the way home," she says.
"It makes me incredibly sad sometimes. But I think that the day you stop caring, is the day you stop working in the profession. It’s dealing with that sadness and giving yourself permission to be sad about it.
"During my career I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside some incredible nurses and colleagues that have helped build my resilience.
"It’s having someone to speak with on your difficult days and sometimes it’s about going home, picking yourself up and going back to work the next day."
Joanne is the face of Royal Manchester Children's Hospital International Nurses Day campaign this year, and has used it as a chance to reflect on her inspiring career.
"For me, it’s all about the children, young people and their families, the staff are just so positive. We make it a happy environment to be in," she said.
"You have to take a deep breath some days when you’re busy and say to yourself, 'no matter what’s going on – I’ve got time for the patients'. It’s about making time. I’m proud to be a nurse. I’m proud to care."
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