Important lessons

My first job at 15 was cleaning hospital toilets.

When I showed my value and commitment, I was also allowed to use the big buffer machine to clean the hospital floors.

I then worked in the hospital kitchen peeling, cooking and washing dishes on 12 hour shifts.

At the weekends and school/uni holidays I moved to be a health care assistant in both hospitals and care homes.

I supported people from all walks of life, with all sorts of challenges. I cleaned bed pans, emptied catheter bags, assisted with toileting, mouth care, feeding and their daily care needs.

I learnt so much from my years in these roles and I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to work to support others in their time of need.

I sat with so many people people after they'd just been delivered a terminal diagnosis and on several occasions, held the hands of lovely people as they died.

Today, I decided to show the boys what I did as my first job. I made them do the full house clean with me, the washing and cleaning the windows (despite the complaining at times).

As well as showing them what it takes to run a house, I also talked to them about the different types of jobs you can do to pay your way and if you can, save.

I explained that in any job, you have to show that you can do your best work as you are often replaceable, and whatever job you do, you can bring joy to other people in the way that you go about your work, which has always been my intention.