A RETIRED headteacher was reunited with students who are now hospital staff during cataract surgery in Coventry.
Bill Hedges was head of Templars Primary for 26 years and was surprised when he was reunited with past students when visiting SpaMedica.
Healthcare technicians Mia Legge and Shannon Loughran recognised Bill as soon as they saw him.
Bill said: “I said to them, they grow and mature and I only get more grey and wrinkly.”
As his mother had glaucoma, the grandad of six has religiously scheduled annual eye exams and was then told he had cataracts and would need surgery.
The 73-year-old says he was preparing himself for a lengthy waiting time but once he had his assessment, he was booked in to have surgery the next day.
“I think it’s human nature to be a little concerned about surgery, especially when it’s on your eyes, but there really was nothing to it.
“It was also comforting to have Mia and Shannon there – I knew I was in good hands.”
Mia and Shannon attended Templars Primary 20 years ago and followed different career paths into healthcare.
They were both in theatre during Bills surgery and were chatting with him throughout.
Bill added: “The surgeon who performed my second surgery asked if we knew each other.
“I said yes, but I only take responsibility for the good bits.”
When Bill retired, the entire school sang the soundtrack to his favorite film, The Lion King.
Mia said: “We got to see Mr Hedges during his pre-assessment and when he had both his surgeries.
“He said that we really put him at ease, and he was reassured that we clearly explained what to expect. We even played The Circle of Life as he walked into theatre.”
Shannon added: “It’s always so lovely helping someone I know, and it was really nice catching up with Mr Hedges after all these years. “Seeing how thrilled he was with having his sight restored, and how much having our support throughout his cataract surgery meant to him, brought tears to my eyes.”
