Light a candle

On the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, Mountbatten will join the rest of the world in marking International Nurses’ Day. 

Tributes will be paid and thanks will be given for the remarkable work of nurses, and candles will be lit to honour their dedication to the profession. 

We've been asking our Mountbatten Nurses why they're proud to care for patients and families across the Isle of Wight. Liz Arnold, Director of Nursing at Mountbatten, says it's a day to pay tribute and give our thanks to nurses around the world.

Liz Arnold, Director of Nursing at Mountbatten, said: “International Nurses’ Day 2020 is going to be a year that many of us remember for obvious reasons."  

Liz continued, “Florence Nightingale brings to mind a vision of a lady with a lamp. It's a symbol of safety and security and reassurance, evoking perhaps a symbol of what nurses represent for a fearful community of people; nurses who demonstrate courage and reassurance that someone will be there for them, and certainly Mountbatten Nurses will be there for whoever needs them."  

At 8:30pm, Islanders are encouraged to join in a nationwide moment of gratitude by lighting a candle to nurses who have lost their lives to coronavirus and to nurses who continue to go over and above in their roles.  

“I particularly ask you to remember our Mountbatten Nurses,” Liz said. 

"I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our Mountbatten Nurses for their kindness, their courage, their humility and their expert knowledge." 

She concluded, “Florence once said for the sick it is important to have the best. I can assure you that at Mountbatten, we certainly do have the very best.” 

You can read more about the care our Mountbatten Nurses and our wider team have been giving throughout the coronavirus outbreak to patients and their families on our website.

Image shows handmade rainbow candles from Cowes-based Chilliwinter. Owners Kathy Chillistone and Dave Winter have pledged to raise £2000 for Mountbatten; for every sale, at a not-for-profit price, a direct donation is made to support our work. To find out more visit the Chilliwinter website.

Image Stephanie Mackrill Photography