AN NHS manager is hoping to see all her past classmates and teachers in good health as she returns to her former school to help celebrate its tenth anniversary.
Case manager at James Cook University Hospital, Kate Lackenby, is looking forward to rekindling happy memories with old friends at The King’s Academy reunion in next month despite being reduced to tears on her very first day.
“I remember that I was accidentally put into the wrong form group,” said Kate, of Marton.
“It was scary enough starting at a brand new school but not to know anyone at all in my form was just too much and I burst into tears.
“Luckily it was all sorted out very quickly and I was put back in the right group with the people I knew. It's one of those things that happens when you're young that you remember.”
Kate, 24, now spends her time making sure that other people are in the right place by managing patients' safe discharges from hospital.
“I always knew that I wanted to work in healthcare in my local community,” said Kate, “I just wasn’t sure how.
“I trained as an occupational therapist and the skills that I learned from that enabled me to move into case management making sure that patients are set up with packages of care ensuring safe discharges from hospital which lead to them keeping their independence for as long as possible.
“It’s lovely being able to help someone leave hospital knowing that they are going to be cared for and supported in their own home.”
As well as meeting up with old friends Kate is also looking forward to seeing her old headmaster Chris Drew.
“Mr Drew taught me geography before he became Principal at The King’s,” said Kate.
“He demanded high standards from everyone and helped us to make sure we always did our best.
“The ethos of the school that was instilled in all of us was that you reap what you sow and that we were all responsible for our own achievements.”
Hundreds of former students and staff members are expected to return to The King’s Academy on Saturday, April 26, to celebrate ten years since it opened.
All former students and staff who attended the academy from 2003-2013 are invited to attend the celebration event.
“It will be a great opportunity to go back to a school where I have such good memories,” added Kate. “I can’t wait to see everyone and find out what they have achieved.”
