SIX Filipino nurses are celebrating a quarter of a century working in Gloucestershire with the Foundation Trust.

The group were recruited in the Philippines and travelled to London before finding out that they would be working in the county, starting in Spring of 2000.

Lowela Danah Encomienda, Rosemarie Verdadero, Maria Tess Juan, Rosanna Casusco, Helen Grace Overton and Crispina Rajnat were part of a larger cohort of 27 who began their roles in Gloucestershire 25 years ago.

The six work in different specialisms including endoscopy, urology and the eye theatre.

Tess Juan, Ward Manager for Eyford Unit, said: "It is unbelievable but amazing at the same time that the group have been here for 25 years! To me, it feels like it was only yesterday when we first set foot in England. I still remember how cold I was on that day when we arrived here in February of 2000.

"Over the last 25 years so much has changed in my life. I have grown both professionally and personally, not without challenges and trials, but I would say that I have achieved most of the goals I have set for myself when I left my country. I was also able to integrate with the English culture early on in the years, without losing my own. Most importantly, I have learnt to embrace the ever changing weather!".

For most of the nurses it was their first time living abroad. Nurses were given a two-week induction to help settle in, and to help with essentials, such as shopping and banking. The move to the UK in February was a change from their previous tropical climate, but the group soon felt at home in Gloucestershire.

NHS Gloucestershire said: “Thank you and congratulations on your 25 years of service to the patients of Gloucestershire.”