Battening Down the Hatches in Fight against Covid-19

Louise is part of an executive team of three running HMS RALEIGH, carrying out basic training for all Naval ratings on entering the service, as well as housing a further five schools, who train Naval personnel throughout their careers.

She says: “It’s quite a challenge housing, feeding, training and looking after the welfare of trainees at the best of times, but particularly given current restrictions. It has meant some really long days (18 hours) and many seven-day weeks, but it’s worth it to be a small part of keeping things going. Sailors have a great sense of humour and can be quite inventive so we are working through each challenge as it comes.”

Louise, who was a keen rower at LEH, is keen to pay tribute to all the other key workers also doing their bit: “I am very thankful for those amazing people keeping schools and nurseries open. It means I can keep working while my three boys (aged 3 to 13) are safe and looked after. I’m also grateful for those people keeping shops, transport and the country going. And that’s before saying a huge thanks to those involved with the NHS and medical research.”