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'My husband will never see me in my NHS uniform': Grandmother's bittersweet achievement

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

An Ipswich grandmother who lost her husband to cancer has spoken about achieving her 21-year journey to becoming an occupational therapist, sharing her story of perseverance through personal tragedy.

The big picture: After working as an occupational therapy assistant at Ipswich Hospital for over two decades, Lymburn, 55, completed her apprenticeship with first-class honours through East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). She is the first person to complete an occupational therapy apprenticeship at the Trust.

Jenny Lymburn
Jenny Lymburn in her occupational therapist uniformESNEFT

Behind the achievement: "I'm so proud to finally wear an OT uniform – but I'm so sad Gary will never get to see me wear it," says Lymburn, whose husband died of cancer at 52 on New Year's Eve last year.

Her journey:

  • Started at Ipswich Hospital 21 years ago as an occupational therapy assistant

  • Completed a level 3 NVQ in health and social care

  • Earned a foundation degree

  • Began OT apprenticeship in 2022

  • Achieved first-class honours despite taking a break during her husband's illness

"Training without working was never an option – I just couldn't afford it, so being able to study while being employed was fantastic," Lymburn says. "Gary was so supportive all through those years and when he was poorly I nearly stopped the course, but he said 'you've worked so damn hard, don't stop now.'"

Jenny Lymburn with her late husband Gary
Jenny and her late husband GaryESNEFT

Current role: Lymburn now works in the REACT (Reactive Emergency Assessment Community Team), supporting patients in crisis at home to prevent hospital admissions.

The bottom line: "Age isn't a barrier to learning and I know he'd be so proud of me," says Lymburn, who has two grown-up children and three grandchildren. Her achievement demonstrates how personal determination, combined with workplace support, can help people reach their professional goals at any stage of life.

You can find out more about apprenticeship opportunities on the ESNEFT website.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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