From the sun-drenched islands of the Philippines to the historic streets of Peterborough, a group of skilled nurses embarked on a journey that would change not only their lives but the lives of countless patients in the city.
Twenty-five years ago, 34 dedicated nurses arrived in Peterborough, bringing with them expertise, compassion, and a deep commitment to healthcare.
This November, their milestone was celebrated with heartfelt thanks and recognition for a quarter-century of service.
November 10 marks the 25th anniversary of their arrival when these nurses first donned their uniforms at the former Peterborough District and Edith Cavell hospitals.
Over the years, their dedication has touched every corner of the city’s healthcare system, from emergency departments to critical care units.
Today, nine of the original nurses remain with North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, continuing to provide exceptional care and mentoring the next generation of staff.
Among them is Marlet Elefante, whose journey to Peterborough was unexpected yet life changing.
Having worked in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine in the Philippines, Marlet had never planned to work abroad.
“I came to accompany a friend, but I ended up leaving for the UK before she did,” she recalls with a smile.
For Marlet, November 2000 was not only the start of a remarkable career but also the beginning of a love story, as she met her husband Richard in the same group of arriving nurses.
Today, she continues to work in Critical Care at Peterborough City Hospital, a living testament to dedication and resilience.
In a year which saw the opening of the Millennium Dome in London and the launch of the PlayStation 2, the first group of 34 nurses travelled from the Philippines to Peterborough in 2000 – where many continue to live and work today. Sharing photos from their time in UK
The anniversary celebration brought together the nurses in the hospital’s staff reflection garden, a serene space where memories of decades of service mingled with laughter and camaraderie.
Proudly dressed in the national attire of the Philippines, they shared stories of challenges faced, friendships formed, and the joy of seeing patients recover under their care.
Charlotte Williams, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Trust, presented each nurse with a certificate, expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitment. “It cannot have been easy to leave family and friends thousands of miles away to follow your professional dream,” she said.
“It’s an honour to know you call Peterborough ‘home’ and have made your lives here.”
For these nurses, Peterborough is more than a workplace—it is home, a place where dedication meets community, and where 25 years of care continue to inspire everyone they meet. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the difference one group of people can make when guided by skill, compassion, and heart.
