Following what has been a hugely testing period for the NHS, Torquay United AFC were privileged to have a very special guest lending the Club their support at Ashton Gate last month.
Although the result didn’t go the way of Gary Johnson’s men on the day, the presence of Respiratory Specialist Nurse Bianca Hulance provided a timely reminder of the heroic efforts of everybody involved with the NHS during the course of the past eighteen months.
Bianca – whose son Freddie play for United’s U15s – played a pivotal role at Torbay Hospital throughout the Covid-19 the pandemic, with the Directors of Torquay United AFC nominating Bianca to receive VIP treatment in Bristol in recognition of all her tireless efforts.
“I was really surprised when I was asked if I wanted to go, I didn’t expect all the fuss,” said Bianca.
“I thought I would just be watching the game, as I had been trying to get tickets anyway! I didn’t realise that we would be Brian Barwick’s special guests, with a nurse who had been nominated from Hartlepool.
“We had a meal, access to drinks when we wanted, and then he said he would like us to come down with him to the presentation at the beginning, to walk on the pitch.”
After spending more than a year in assisting our local community at a time of unprecedented crisis, United’s guest for the day was proud to show for her support for her local team, in front of 6,606 supporters in Bristol, as well as a national television audience.
“It was really nice, I also got a big bunch of flowers in the team’s colours, and they thanked us for all the hard work we had been through with Covid.
“It got a bit awkward at the end – especially with the penalties – but I have to say it was amazing, the whole day. I was so pleased that in the last minute our goalkeeper scored, because it changed the whole atmosphere, it gave everyone another half an hour of hope, and it was just amazing. The atmosphere was really good, and we were really looked after.”
Looking back on last year, when the pandemic was at its height, Bianca reflected on how the strong community spirit shone brightly, even during darkest of times.
“I feel that at Torbay Hospital, we all came together and went the extra mile for the patients. I think it was hard, but we all got to rely on each other, and were there for each other. I think that is the most important thing – we all have each other.
“I think even through Covid, we were quite spoilt! On Tuesdays, we would have pizzas delivered to us, the ice cream van turned up in the summer, and at Easter, we had lots of Easter Eggs. It was just lovely. It was hard, but we all felt appreciated.”
Thanks to the sterling work of Bianca and her NHS colleagues, as well as the cautious actions taken by many throughout the local community, Torbay is now hopeful of beginning to emerge from a hugely difficult period, and the Club would once again like to pay tribute to everyone involved with the NHS.
Sincere thanks to each and every one you – your efforts always be appreciated, and never forgotten.
#OneClub #OneCommunity