COVENTRY modern matron May Parsons had an ’emotional and surreal’ experience on Monday when she represented the NHS in England in Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession.
May is a modern matron for respiratory services at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire and delivered the world’s first Covid Vaccination in December 2020.
She met The Queen just months ago, receiving the health service’s George Cross from the monarch at Windsor Castle in July.
May described her meeting with The Queen as a lovely day she would never forget, adding she was ‘very welcoming.’
She added the Queen had been an inspiration to her due to her strength, integrity and dedication to serving others.
“Her absolute determination to fulfil her promise to serve her people resonates so strongly with me as a nurse also fulfilling my promise to serve my community.
“It was an incredible privilege and honour to join the procession and represent the wonderful NHS staff in England, showing our gratitude and paying our respects to Her Majesty the Queen.
“I can’t put into words what she has accomplished across the world and what she has meant to so many people, so while it has been a very sad day, it is also a day to remember and celebrate the incredible life she has lived in service.”
