Doncaster nurse launches poetry book which was written when she was sick from Covid-19

Laura Fitton, 30, is a ward sister at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), she not only recovered from Covid-19 once but twice in 2020.

The front line nurse also published her debut poetry collection ‘Guardian Angel’.

Laura, who grew up in Barnsley, complied the collection whilst struggling to breathe when off sick with Covid-19 in May 2020.

She said: “I had written poetry since I was a child.

"Putting the book together was a great distraction, helping to calm and regulate my breathing.”

Laura, who has asthma has spent the past year, working demanding shifts, caring for patients with Covid-19.

When the UK entered its initial lockdown, Laura felt it was important to remain upbeat and positive during this turbulent period.

She decided to donate £1 from every book sale, towards the creation of the Covid-19 memorial gardens at DBTH.

The “Rainbow Gardens” will provide a place of peace for remembering all lost to the disease.

Construction has completed at Bassetlaw Hospital and is currently ongoing at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Drawing upon her own life experiences – including family recollections, memories of her old pets, and insights into her career as a frontline nurse – Laura scribbled away until she had assembled a full poetry book.

Her poems cover many difficult subjects including grief, domestic abuse, and dementia.

Yet, warmth and hope radiate throughout, showing a deeply resilient, compassionate, and strong spirit within.

Speaking about Guardian Angel, Laura, said: “This project really kept me going throughout lockdown and I found the writing process to be incredibly therapeutic, as I knew I was going to dedicate the book to the memory of my best friend Sofie.

"I thought it would be quite fitting, as she would have wanted the money to go towards a good cause.

“It is my hope that Guardian Angel will provide a little solace and comfort to those who are finding these times to be difficult.

"It will be a coping mechanism for anyone who is struggling right now and will bring them strength.

"We all have to take care of one another in whatever way we can, and this is just my way of doing that. On that note, I would like to thank everyone who has supported and inspired me throughout the creation of this project. It means a lot.’’

Richard Parker OBE, Chief Executive of DBTH, said: “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to express my gratitude to Laura for this amazing gesture.

"Her beautiful verses are guaranteed to lift the spirits of readers and not only that, but it will also make a big difference by helping us to build our rainbow gardens.

"She is an absolute credit to Team DBTH.’’

Since publication in November 2020 via Solopreneur Publishing, West Yorkshire, Laura has sold over 200 copies of Guardian Angel.

To date, she has raised over £300 for the Trust’s charity foundation.

Laura will launch Guardian Angel via her Facebook author page on March 23 at 7.30pm.

Alongside Laura, South Yorkshire poets Ian McMillian, Mick Jenkinson and Michéle Beck will read.

Sarah Cox, an A & E nurse at DBTH will make her debut poetry reading.

And youngsters, CJ Dingley, 13, and Lola-Grace Mannifield, 8, will be singing and reading poetry, respectively.

Both children have parents who are working on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic, at DBTH.

To purchase a copy of Guardian Angel, please email [email protected] or reach out to her Author Facebook page.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.