As the excitement towards Wigan Pride 2022 on Saturday 13th August continues to build, the support for the event and the values and vision of WWL’s support to the LGBTQIA+ community are going from strength-to-strength.
Two members of the WWL family who are keen to tell their story, and show their support for Wigan Pride, are Katie and Hayley Scarr, who both work in the Cancer Care Centre at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary (RAEI) – but it’s not just a workplace they share together…
Hayley, a Chemotherapy Nurse said: “We first met in 2014 whilst working in the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU). We became really close friends and it blossomed into a relationship in 2015, before we got married in Cornwall in 2019, it was such an amazing day!
Katie, a Macmillan Information and Support Assistant, added: “It’s amazing to think back from when we first met to now. We’ve always had support from our colleagues, and we’ve always enjoyed working at WWL in our various roles because of the warm and welcoming environment everyone creates for each other.”
Hayley and Katie have spent time working in different departments since they met, but in 2021 their working relationship came full circle, and they are now back together working in the Cancer Care Centre.
Hayley continued: “We’ve never been treated any differently to anyone else and that’s what I love about being part of WWL. It’s a privilege to be able to work in the same Trust as each other, let alone the same unit, and it’s amazing to share the same passion for healthcare that we do.”
Katie and Hayley will be attending Wigan Pride on Saturday, along with Rosie (pictured above), who they have raised together, and they are all excited to be part of the big day.
Katie said: “The positivity leading up to Wigan Pride has been amazing, and it’s really encouraging to see so many friends and colleagues getting involved. When you walk around the hospital, its lovely to see all the decorations people have put up. It’s going to be a brilliant day on Saturday and we’re both so happy to see how much support has been given to Wigan Pride by WWL this year.”
Join the Celebrations
If you plan on joining in the celebrations or haven’t yet shared them with us, please tag @WWLNHS on Twitter, Facebook, the staff Facebook group and Instagram.
Whether you’re attending on Saturday or supporting from home, join the conversation by using #WiganPride22 and #WWLEDI, as we continue our mission to increase diversity and accessibility, eliminate inequality, and improve experiences for all.
WWL's Health Outreach and Inclusion Team will be available on the day for advice and on-the-day testing, whilst the Breast Screening Service will be providing information and support. The Trust's Recruitment Team will also be in attendance, helping people to find out more about working or volunteering for WWL, with the opportunity to fill out an online survey to register any interest - this can be completed here.
For more information about this year’s event, please visit the Wigan Pride website, or follow @WiganPrideLGBT on Twitter for daily and on the day updates. You can find a map of the parade route below, with the parade due to start at approximately 11am, followed by speeches at 12pm and on-stage entertainment throughout the afternoon until 5pm.
