Sisters re-united thanks to lost Second World War military medal
Kay Clements' work as a mechanic helped keep Britain's famous spitfirefighters flying through the Second World War. She lost a medal she received for her work, but that led her to the sister she'd not seen for years
Brenda Medway, 93, who lives at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home with her sister Kathleen Kay Clement, 101, during their emotional reunion after many years.
(Image: Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home )
Two sisters aged 101 and 93 have been re-united after years apart thanks to news of a lost military medal and efforts by care home staff. Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement had an emotional reunion at HC-One Wales's Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home in Skewen, Neath.
Staff "went above and beyond" to reunite the long lost sisters. Brenda, 93, who has lived at the home for two years, had told staff for some time she wanted to see her older sister, Kay, aged 101, whom she believed was living in a care home in the Sketty area.
Despite the best efforts of the care team to locate her, initial attempts proved unsuccessful. Tomos Lovell, a senior carer at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn decided to continue the search in his own time.
Trawling the internet late one evening led him to a breakthrough when he spotted an article about a 101-year-old woman named Kathleen 'Kay' Clement, who had recently been re-awarded a military medal she had lost.
Kathleen Clement as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force
(Image: PA )
He read that in 2024 Kay, whose mechanical skills helped keep Britain's famous spitfire fighters flying through the Second World War, received a replacement for the long-lost medal she received for her work.
Article continues below
Born in 1924 she worked 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.
It was only when she heard she was to be given the Mayor's Award by former Neath Port Talbot mayor Chris Williams, that she mentioned she'd also once had another medal but lost it.
Hearing this the authorities decided to surprise her with a replacement war time medal which was presented by Wing Commander Stephen Fry, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, and Air Commodore Robert Woods, Air Officer Wales.
News of the replacement medal presentation and the war time work Kay got it for was reported online, which Tomos spotted.
Making inquiries after reading the story he discovered that Kay was living just five miles away at The Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Tonna.
When staff showed Brenda the article to check it was her sister she immediately recognised her sister and was overwhelmed.
Staff at her care home then arranged a surprise reunion with help from The Old Vicarage. With the support of Tomos and Kaylie Watkins, the wellbeing coordinator at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn, Brenda made the short journey to see her sister Kay.
Brenda Medway and her sister Kathleen Kay Clement when they were younger
(Image: Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home )
Afterwards Brenda, who has no immediate family left, said: 'She's still wicked as ever — she hasn't changed a bit!'
"The emotional visit was filled with laughter, joy, and tender moments," the care home said, "Kay recognised her 'little sister' and shared warm memories. The pair spent time chatting, laughing, and exchanging stories as if no time had passed."
They parted with the promise of another visit soon.
Tomos said seeing the sisters re-united reminded the whole team why they do what they do: "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.
Article continues below
'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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Man dies trying to cross Channel from France after ‘cardiac arrest on boat' as migrants seen arriving in Dover
Emergency services rushed to the scene BOAT TRAGEDY Man dies trying to cross Channel from France after 'cardiac arrest on boat' as migrants seen arriving in Dover Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAN has died while trying to cross the English Channel to the UK. He suffered a cardiac arrest while on board a boat that was heading for British shores. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 In an unrelated incident, a boat of alleged migrants arrived at Dover earlier today Credit: PA 3 A man has died while on a boat crossing the English Channel Credit: Getty The boat had turned back towards Equihen beach in northern France on Saturday morning. French authorities confirmed that a man was in cardiac arrest when the boat docked on the beach. Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to save the man, who sadly died soon after. According to UK Home Office provisional statistics, almost 24,000 people have arrived on small boats in the UK in 2025. An investigation is underway, and will need to determine the circumstances that led to the man's death. Earlier today, an unrelated boat of suspected migrants was seen arriving in Dover. They were seen being brought to shore by an RNLI lifeboat. The institution has saved dozens of migrants that have faced difficulty in the waters. Migrants can then be brought to shore for medical attention. Another man died in April after Kent Police were called to a medical incident. The RNLI launched its all-weather lifeboat to bring the group of migrants safely to Dover.
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Parklands Care Home in Bedwas enters Gardens in Bloom
Parklands Care Home in Bedwas, part of the HC-One Wales group, is taking part in the annual Gardens in Bloom contest, which celebrates creativity and gardening across care homes. The team has transformed their outdoor space into a welcoming sanctuary for residents, visitors, and staff to enjoy throughout the year. Marie Evans, senior wellbeing coordinator, said: "Our main aim has been to create a garden that's always welcoming. "Every chance of sunshine or fresh air becomes an opportunity to step outside, connect with nature, and enjoy some peace." The project has been a team effort, with care assistant Gail Osborne helping to enhance the gazebo area with vibrant decorations and fragrant mint plants. Residents also joined in by designing hanging baskets that now brighten the garden. Gareth Thomas, part of the maintenance team, works to keep the garden tidy and inviting, often mowing the lawns under the friendly supervision of residents. Earlier this month, the garden was used for a memorial service at the request of a resident's family, who described it as a peaceful and beautiful space. Ms Evans said: "Our garden has become more than just a space; it's a symbol of the community spirit we cherish here at Parklands. "Whether it's welcoming local councillors, hosting summer socials, or simply enjoying a chat in the sun, it brings us all together." Residents and staff are now working together to choose a name for the garden area.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Ayrshire war hero awarded Provost's Medal at 107 years old
Harry Richardson, a bomber pilot during the Second World War, was presented with the Provost's Medal by Iain Campbell, Provost of South Ayrshire. An Ayrshire war hero has been presented with the Provost's Medal at the age of 107 - some 80 years after taking to the skies during the Second World War. Harry Richardson was a bomber pilot during the war and earned a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his bravery and his airmanship during his service. Provost Iain Campbell presented the medal to Harry in a ceremony in County Buildings, Ayr. The Provost's Medal recognises national or international achievement at the highest level for people who were born in or are residents of South Ayrshire. In the last 13 years, the medal has only been awarded on one other occasion. Local hero Harry, who was a bomber pilot during World War 2 serving from 1939 to 1947, celebrated his 107th birthday in Prestwick in February. During his RAF career, Harry was posted to 149 Squadron. Upon completion of this tour, he transferred to training bomber pilots. Harry then moved to India and the Far East with 159 Squadron. At the end of the war, he assisted with the repatriation of Prisoners of War. Harry then joined the National Air Traffic Service as an Air Traffic Controller, where he successfully climbed through the ranks, assisting in the planning of the Air Traffic Service over the Atlantic. Earlier this year, he was honoured during the 80th anniversary of VE Day and was present at the VE Day 80 concert at Horse Guards Parade in London, sitting next to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. In addition to the Provost's Medal, Harry was also given the Lord Lieutenant Award. This award was presented to him by Lord Lieutenant Iona McDonald. The civic ceremony was attended by Harry Richardson DFC and his family, alongside Alex Lobban, Chair of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Club Ayr & Prestwick Branch; and Sqn Ldr James Martin 602 (City of Glasgow) Sqn RAuxAF. Speaking humbly after the presentation, Harry said: 'Thank you very much for this award which I shall treasure for the rest of my life.' Provost Campbell said: 'The Provost's Medal is a significant and rare honour, reserved for only the greatest of achievements. I'm delighted to be able to bestow this honour upon Harry Richardson. 'Harry's dedication to his country is already well-known. The Distinguished Flying Cross is just one of the accolades he has achieved for his admirable bravery during his service. 'It was my absolute pleasure to welcome Harry, his loved ones and esteemed guests to County Buildings to recognise his outstanding achievements.' Lord Lieutenant Iona McDonald said: 'Harry is a remarkable man who along with many others served with distinction during the Second World War. I was delighted to present him with a Lord Lieutenant's certificate marking his contribution to the RAF and aviation.' Alex Lobban, Chair of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Club Ayr & Prestwick Branch, said: 'On behalf of Ayr & Prestwick Branch Royal Air Forces Association it was an honour and privilege to be present at the Award Ceremony for our member Harry Richardson DFC. Our appreciation goes to the Lord Lieutenant and Provost for their support of Harry.' Sqn Ldr James Martin 602 (City of Glasgow) Sqn RAuxAF said: 'It was a privilege to attend today's Civic Reception in Ayrshire, on behalf of Air Officer Scotland, in recognition of the extraordinary RAF service of Harry Richardson DFC. Our sincerest congratulations to Harry, on the receipt of the prestigious Award of the Provost Medal and Lord Lieutenant certificate, so richly deserved.'
