Tributes to nursing heroine Sister Dora
Nursing heroine Sister Dora, who dedicated her life to helping the people of Walsall after a series of disasters, was fondly remembered during a special service.
Nursing heroine Sister Dora, who dedicated her life to helping the people of Walsall after a series of disasters, was fondly remembered during a special service.
Scores of people yesterday gathered to pay tribute to Sister Dora who has a statue in the town centre in recognition of the care and compassion she showed.
An annual tribute is paid to the nurse on the Sunday before her birthday – January 16, 1832 – with a service of thanksgiving at the Crossing at St Paul's Church.
The congregation of more than 50 people then gathered at her statue on The Bridge to lay floral tributes and join in a prayer at midday. The Mayor and Mayoress of Walsall, Councillor Garry Perry and his mother June Perry, attended.
In 1875, when Walsall was hit by smallpox, an epidemic hospital was set up in Deadman's Lane, now Hospital Street, and Sister Dora worked there for six months, risking her life for the people of Walsall.
