Joyce and Abigail – how my hospital stay unexpectedly led to a 55-year friendship

Joyce and Abigail have been a part of each other’s lives for as long as Abigail can remember. 

When Abigail and her family visited at Sheffield Children’s in January 1971, they weren’t expecting their world to be turned upside down. Not only did they receive the heartbreaking news that what Abigail had thought was leg pain was actually a malignant tumour, but doctors also officially diagnosed her with a form of Leukaemia. Following this news, five-year-old Abigail and her family were admitted onto the oncology ward at Sheffield Children’s, where she began her treatment. 

 It was here where she met Sister Fox, who she later came to know as Joyce, for the very first time. 

Since that day, Joyce and Abigail have shared over fifty years of special memories, from meeting the late Princess Margaret as part of Sheffield Children’s centenary celebrations in 1976 to sharing tears at Abigail’s wedding. Despite having long-left Sheffield Children’s, the pair still keep in contact to this day, making sure to exchange Christmas cards every year and to visit when they can. 

Abigail said: “Joyce was incredibly kind to me and my family. When I first stayed at Sheffield Children’s, Joyce let my parents stay with me when I was feeling my most alone. From then on, we’ve stayed in touch – she’s had a lasting impact on my life.”  

Joyce started her career at Sheffield Children’s in 1954 as a Student Nurse and recalled her excitement at having an opportunity able to support children, young people and their families for the first time. 

Joyce said: “I only ever wanted to do children’s nursing, so when I was accepted at Sheffield Children’s, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. I love children and just wanted to care for them.” 

“I remember living with other nurses at the time, it was a really supportive environment. In fact, many of us still get together and see each other. It was a lovely time, and we made friends for life.” 

After spells at several different hospitals across the country, Joyce returned to Sheffield Children’s in 1968 as a Ward Sister, supporting children, young people and their families on our oncology ward. 

Joyce said: “Wherever I worked, I always wore my Sheffield Children’s paediatric nursing pin – so you could say that I took a piece of Sheffield Children’s everywhere that I went. When I returned in 1968 as a Ward Sister, I was so proud. The place had grown over those ten years, but I still recognised many familiar faces, and it felt like a big working family.” 

This is where Joyce first met Abigail, who began her first stay on the oncology ward at Sheffield Children’s in January 1971. Joyce and her team supported Abigail and her family throughout their time on the ward, from the moment she arrived, to her final appointment years later. 

Abigail said: “I was a regular visitor at Sheffield Children’s for over 15 years. I went in for treatment and bloods quite often. Joyce was a big part of my care here and became a familiar, friendly face.” 

The pair shared a particularly special moment in July 1976, being selected to greet Princess Margaret as part of Sheffield Children’s centenary celebrations. 

Joyce said: “It was a very exciting day! I made sure I had a brand-new uniform, belt and shiny shoes. I was so nervous I called her ‘Princess’ instead of Ma’am which is what we’d been told to do.” 

Abigail added: “I remember having the day off school; it was a special, special thing! I was ten years old, I’d been at Sheffield Children’s for a long time, and I was really proud to have been asked to do that.” 

Even when Abigail moved into adult care, the pair remained in frequent contact.  Joyce was even a guest at Abigail’s wedding in 1991, showing just how deep this friendship had become. 

Abigail said: “I was so glad that Joyce came along to my wedding, she played such a big role during my time at Sheffield Children’s over so many years. It felt right to have her there to celebrate with us.” 

Joyce said: “It was an incredibly emotional day – I was so proud to be there. As a Ward Sister, you see miracles –you have tragedies too. This moment was one that you just have to cherish.” 

Joyce, now 89 years old, looks back with pride at her NHS Career, and has some advice for those just starting out on their own journeys. 

Joyce said: “When you’re working in children’s healthcare, you have to remember that you’re there to support the entire family. Making sure that families can support each other whilst they’re in a ward environment is so important and can make a real difference.” 

Abigail added: “Joyce built a relationship with my parents and really went above and beyond to make sure that they had everything that they needed to support me. My family are still just so grateful for her actions, even all this time later.” 

For 150 years, Sheffield Children’s has been driven by its commitment to create healthier futures for every child. From everyday concerns to complex conditions and life-saving treatment, Sheffield Children’s has cared for children, young people and their families across Sheffield, South Yorkshire and beyond. Today, that same belief remains unchanged: every child deserves the same chance to be healthy, no matter where they live or what challenges they face. 

What are your memories of Sheffield Children’s? Do you have any historic Sheffield Children’s memorabilia at home which you could share? Visit our webpage to let us know, we’d love to see it:   

Your Sheffield Children’s Memories – Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust