TWO generations from the same Tameside family are helping to care for patients as part of the ambulance service.
Between four of them, the Burkes have clocked up over 54 years working for North West Ambulance Service and have loved the experience.
Wendy works in the Patient Transport Service (PTS) coordinating rotas for staff. Her daughters Katie and Niamh are ambulance care assistants and her husband John used to do the same role.
In 1990, Wendy joined the PTS as an auxiliary, now known as an ambulance care assistant. For the last 34 years, she’s fulfilled various jobs within the service, including on the road, in the control room, and as a team leader.
She met her husband John when he was also working as an auxiliary, they married and went on to have their daughters.
John left the service in 2004 after 16 years, before returning for a while as a volunteer car driver supporting the PTS.
Following in their parents’ footsteps, Katie joined the service in 2021 and Niamh in August 2024. The sisters are both based at Audenshaw ambulance station and did their first shift together recently.
“When I left university, I went into a job in sales and it was so boring being in an office from 9am to 5pm,” said Katie. “I kept thinking there was more to life than this. I knew I wanted a rewarding job and I knew exactly what mum did and how much she liked it.
“I applied for the ambulance care assistant role and now I am so happy doing what I am doing as I find helping people so fulfilling. What’s more, I get to work with my sister every so often, which is brilliant.”
Wendy said of her daughters’ career choices: “I never expected both of our daughters to join the ambulance service but I am proud that they have. They are loving it and seem settled in their roles.”