UHB flies the flag for the Commonwealth Games
Published on 02/08/2022
In celebration of the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham, proud NHS staff have shared heart-warming stories about their heritage and links to the Commonwealth Games.
We're releasing 18 short videos across our social media platforms throughout the Games, which run from 28 July to 8 August. These videos feature staff who work at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), providing a personal and unique insight into the lives of our remarkable NHS colleagues.
My link with the Commonwealth Games is that I used to be an athlete and ran for Birchfield Harriers. I think if only I had kept going, what might have been.
Effie Asmah, Administrator
The Commonwealth Games is really important to me because they're really looking at inclusivity and diversity, in this Games in particular.
Jay Martin-Lamb, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Proud Ghanaian and former athlete, Effie Asmah, is an administrator at Heartlands Hospital. Effie said: “I love Ghana – the food, the dancing, the beach and the freedom. I used to be an athlete and ran for Birchfield Harriers.”
Pip Killick is a nurse at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. After being diagnosed with breast cancer last year, Pip has volunteered to be a driver at the Games. Pip said: “After my treatment for cancer was successful, it was a real reminder to me that life is for living – it has made me say ‘yes’ to more experiences.”
Parbinder Kaur, who works in the eye clinic at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, is a volunteer at the Games. Parbinder said: “My parents are from India, and I also have family in Canada. I will be cheering on India and Canada!”
Melisa Dunputh, who works at Solihull Hospital, is from Mauritius. Her NHS roots are strong, with her mum and dad meeting whilst both undertaking their nurse training in the UK during the 1970s. Melissa said: “I am so proud the Games are taking place in Birmingham and couldn’t be prouder. I can’t wait to take my children to the Games and feel the buzz of excitement!”
Proud Brummie Shelley Showell, a trauma nurse at UHB, will be a first responder at the Games. Shelley said: “I love my country and I love my city. I’m ready to go – bring on the Games!”
Last year I was diagnosed with the earliest form of breast cancer. Treatment was successful and it was a reminder that life is for living and it has made me say "yes" to more experiences.
Pip Killick, Specialist Nurse
I grew up watching the Commonwealth Games and have a passion for cricket. I am very excited about the Games coming to Birmingham.
George Dzvengwe, Clinical Manager, Admin Support
Prof. Dave Rosser, Chief Executive Officer for UHB, added: “The Games promise us such an exciting 11 days of global sport and celebration, right on our doorsteps. It has been fantastic to learn so much about the lives and experiences of some of our amazing colleagues. We are so fortunate at UHB to work alongside so many extraordinary people from all over the world and also so many generous people who are prepared to give up their free time to volunteer, and ensure the Games is a success for Birmingham.”
Video: our staff flying the flag
Melisa Dunputh, Private and Overseas Patients Officer, speaks about her connection to the Commonwealth and the Birmingham 2022 Games.
Video transcript: our staff flying the flag
Speech
Hi, my name is Melisa. I'm the Private and Overseas Officer based at Solihull.
My connection to the Commonwealth Games is that my family come from Mauritius. My parents came over to the UK, to Glasgow, to do their nurse training in the 70s.
So, with the sports taking place in Birmingham, the Commonwealth Games, I couldn't have been more happier to see Birmingham up and coming, getting prepared for the Games. It's been very, very exciting.
I can't wait to take my children into Birmingham to see how much has changed and to see all the buzz with the sports taking place.
So, looking forward. Bring on the Games!
To watch all the videos now, please see the playlist on our YouTube Channel.
Follow us to see more
We will be sharing the videos and more content on our social media channels throughout the Games. Follow us to stay up to date with all things UHB.
