A nurse from Frodsham has started a new career after the death of her husband

Nov 12 2009 Chester Chronicle

A LEUKAEMIA nurse who cared for her cancer-stricken husband and was unable to return to work after his death has started a new career with the help of a training company.

Sian Burley, 46, of Stone Cottage, Frodsham, had her life turned upside down when her husband was diagnosed with cancer and became so ill he required round-the-clock care.

Following his death, a devastated Sian, who had given up her job to look after her husband, found herself unable to return to work.

“When my husband died, I was distraught,” said Sian.

“I knew that I wasn’t ready to return to my previous job as a cancer specialist nurse, but I also knew that returning to work, and being around people again would be good for me.”

Sian contacted TNG, a national welfare to work training provider in Northwich for guidance and enrolled on the Pathways to Work programme.

At TNG Sian received bereavement counselling, enabling her to consider a return to nursing and with renewed confidence she returned to the hospital, where she is matron in the information section.

“My TNG adviser helped me to realise that just because I didn’t feel ready to return to my old job didn’t mean I had to give up on nursing. Thanks to advice from TNG, I am back working and helping others,” added Sian.

Karen Egerton, Sian’s TNG personal adviser, said “Nursing her husband before bereavement had left Sian suffering from emotional stress.

“When she first enrolled on the Pathways to Work programme, TNG provided her with bereavement counselling. “When she felt confident to return to work, we helped her to liaise with her former employer to enable Sian to return to a career she loved, but in a different area.”