Two long lost sisters reunited thanks to WWII medal - at 101 years old
Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement spent years without contact after moving into separate care homes - but the pair were finally reunited after Kay was awarded a medal
Two long-lost sisters found each other after one was awarded a WWII medal - at 101-years-old. Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement spent years without contact after moving into separate care homes. But the pair were finally reunited after Kay was awarded a medal for her work helping to keep Spitfires flying.
She was re-awarded a Loyal Service Medal for her efforts on behalf of King George VI at the age of 101 - and it gave care home staff a vital clue to get the pair back together. Brenda, 93, told care home staff that she wanted to see her sister again - but all attempts were unsuccessful.
Senior carer Tomos Lovell at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home in Skewen, Neath, South Wales, spotted an article about Kay being re-awarded the medal she had lost. The medal was in honour of Kay's mechanical skills, that helped to keep Britain's famous spitfire fighters flying through the Second World War.
Tomos then discovered Kay was living just five miles away at The Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Tonna before staff arranged a surprise reunion. The sisters were reunited when Brenda made the short journey to visit her sister Kay who immediately recognised her.
Brenda - who has no other immediate family left alive - said: 'She's still wicked as ever. She hasn't changed a bit.'
The reunion was arranged with help from carer Tomos and wellbeing coordinator Kaylie Watkins at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn home along with The Old Vicarage care home.
Tomos said: 'This reunion truly embodies what person-centred care means. It's about listening, caring, and making the impossible possible. Seeing Brenda and Kay together again reminded all of us why we do what we do.
'We're incredibly proud of our team and thankful to The Old Vicarage for welcoming us with such kindness. Plans are now in motion for regular visits so the sisters can continue to reconnect and share more precious time together.'
The care home added: 'The emotional visit was filled with laughter, joy, and tender moments.
'Kay recognised her 'little sister' and shared warm memories. The pair spent time chatting, laughing, and exchanging stories as if no time had passed.'
Kay was born in 1924 before going on to work as a mechanic based at RAF Loughborough as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (Waaf) during the war.
When fighting ended she was awarded a Loyal Service Medal for her efforts on behalf of King George VI, but later lost it.
She was surprised with a replacement war time medal presented by Wing Commander Stephen Fry, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, and Air Commodore Robert Woods, Air Officer Wales last year.
The sisters have now promised another visit soon after finally being reunited.
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