Military nurse attends VE Day celebrations

A senior nurse who has served in the military and treated soldiers was invited to VE (Victory in Europe) Day events in London this week.

Robin McMahon, a healthcare worker from the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, has been deployed to countries including Afghanistan and Poland.

In recognition of his military role, he was invited to a service at St Paul's Cathedral and a concert at Horse Guards Parade to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday.

Mr McMahon said it had been "a real privilege" to attend the events, especially as World War Two veterans and Blitz survivors had also been there.

VE Day commemorates the end of fighting in Europe in World War Two on 8 May 1945, after Nazi German forces surrendered to the Allies after nearly six years of conflict.

There were special anniversary events across the country this week, including street parties and flypasts in the West Midlands.

Mr McMahon trained as a nurse in Staffordshire, before taking up paediatric roles in London, Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

His first military role was in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, providing medical care to soldiers in the UK and overseas.

He attended the VE Day events as a member of the Worshipful Company of Nurses, a body that represents the profession.

Mr McMahon currently serves in the 306 Hospital Support Regiment, which is part of the Royal Army Medical Corps based near York. The regiment provides specialist healthcare that is not usually available in field hospitals.

As an Army reservist, he can be recalled in times of need to join operations alongside regular soldiers.

"The beauty of the military is everyone is so motivated and wanting to do their best to help others," he said.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.