Rose Amankwaah: The London nurse who was an African sprint champion

Once a top-class sprinter for Ghana, Rose Amankwaah is on the verge of retirement from her job in Britain's NHSRose Amankwaah was once dubbed 'the fastest woman in Africa', and has been reflecting on her days representing Ghana on the track after almost 50 years of public service.will retire from her role as a theatre matronShe has received recognition for her service, yet was breaking records before her nursing career began in 1975.

While her parents worked in their shops in the city's market, as a youngster she found she had a talent for athletics, rising up through the school ranks - first in long jump and high jump, and then in the sprints."We had a coach called Mr Lawson and he told me I was wasting my time on long jump and high jump and that he wanted to train me in the sprints," she recalled.

She had set her heart on competing at the 1976 Olympics in Canada, but that dream was crushed for reasons beyond her control. But thousands of patients will have passed through Matron Amankwaah's wards without knowing they were being treated by a former international sprinter."I only found out recently - she'd kept it quiet all these years!" said Linda Lonergan, a ward sister who has worked alongside Amankwaah for 29 years."She's a good friend as well as my boss - she's lovely. She's very competent and always very nice to patients.

As Amankwaah opens up her treasure trove of pictures and medals, her daughter Lorraine watches on proudly and reflects on her mother's sporting past.

United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

'Fastest woman in Africa' retires after 50 years in NHSRose Amankwaah, who represented Ghana at the 1972 Olympics, started working in the NHS in 1975.
Source: BBCLondonNews - 🏆 115. / 51 Read more »

How can London’s Night Czar justify her £120,000 salary while London’s nightlife is dying?Amy Lamé says she’s making a difference as London’s Night Czar - but with hundreds of venues closing, now is the time for Lamé to prove her worth.
Source: LBCNews - 🏆 75. / 59 Read more »

23 Most Romantic Hotels in London 2023: London Hotels for Couples Trips and StaycationsOn the hunt for a romantic hotel to spend Valentine's Day, or just for a spontaneous couples weekend? We've scoured the capital for the most romantic hotels in London. All you need to do is rock up, order room service and stick Love Island on.
Source: GlamourMagUK - 🏆 2. / 98 Read more »

NHS nurse and former 'fastest woman in Africa' to retire after almost five decadesMatron Rose Amankwaah started working for the NHS in 1975, just three years after she ran in the 100m relay for Ghana at the Munich 1972 Olympics.
Source: SkyNews - 🏆 35. / 67 Read more »

Hamilton 1 Edinburgh City 0: Rose strikes again to end winless run at homeAccies picked up their 16th win of the campaign but it wasn't as comfortable as they would have liked
Source: Daily_Record - 🏆 9. / 89 Read more »

Exclusive First Rides: Rose Backroad FF Gravel Race Bike Expertly Balances Speed & ComfortAll-new aero carbon Rose Backroad FF gravel bike is built for racing, but makes a fast & comfy all-rounder with unique cockpit & wheels, too…
Source: bikerumor - 🏆 65. / 61 Read more »