Celebrating Armed Forces Week: Karen Grant
Armed Forces Week (22-28 June) is dedicated to honouring the incredible men and women who make up the Armed Forces community and our incredible teams here at MTW, from currently serving personnel to veterans, reservists, adult cadet force volunteers and family members of those currently serving. It’s a chance to recognise their dedication, courage, and the many skills they bring back to civilian life and the day to day running of our busy hospitals.
Karen Grant, Medical Secretary in Oncology, shared her inspiring story of military service, including her time as a Physical Training Instructor, medal-worthy bravery in Northern Ireland, and her continued passion for fitness and resilience.
Her story is one of resilience and adventure – from cross-country championships and mountain climbs to the fast-paced demands of life at MTW.
Find out how her military experience continues to shape her role today…
How long have you worked for MTW and what is your day to day role with us?
I have worked for MTW for seven years as Medical Secretary in Oncology.
How long did you serve in the military and what motivated you to join MTW?
I served for eight years in total with HM Forces, and got promoted to Lance Corporal. My first posting at 19 was in Northern Ireland, I received a medal for serving out there. It was quite a dangerous time back then (1985 – 1988) everywhere was out of bounds to us and attacks on camp were frequent with mortar bombings.
We couldn’t go into the town (Lisburn) and on the rare occasions it was considered safe, your bags were checked before entering the shops.
From 1992 – 1996 I was based in the UK, and was over the moon to achieve PTI (Unit Physical Training Instructor) and was proud to be able to sew the cross swords emblem on my uniform sleeves. When I was wasn’t working as Clerk in various settings, I was representing my Unit at Cross Country events and doing PE lessons for the unit, before and after work.
I ran BFTs (Basic Fitness Tests) which included running a mile and half in 10 minutes with anyone who doesn’t pass getting medically downgraded and promotion halted until you improve your fitness.
We also did CFTs (Combat Fitness Tests) 8 miles in under two hours with 70lbs on your back and all your webbing and your weapon – the SA80 rifle.
What would you say have been the highlights of having served in the military?
Highlights of serving in HM Forces are travel (lived in Germany for five years). And also sporting opportunities.
We were Cross Country Champions in Northern Ireland 1985/1986, we also did triathlons, biathlons, lots of adventure training in Wales, abseiling, mountain climbing, wind surfing, yachting, things I might never have done otherwise.
We took part in a lot of outdoor pursuits, in Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons and Snowdon.
What qualities did you gain from being in the armed forces that you have been able to bring to your role in the NHS?
Resilience, persistence, tenacity, adaptable to changes at short notice, can do approach, punctuality, reliability.