When the pandemic started in 2020 I signed up to be a Creighton Centre telephone befriender, and for two years enjoyed having a regular weekly call with several clients. Then at Christmas 2021, Jelena asked me to deliver some gift bags to Creighton’s older clients. Little did I know this would be a life-changing request, as I noticed that a lady called Selma was on my list. I was delighted to see her name, as she had been a maths teacher at my secondary school in Hammersmith in the 1970s and, on delivering the hamper, I reconnected with her. Since then I have been lucky enough to spend an afternoon with her every week. This re-connection with Selma, through The Creighton Centre’s Homeline Service, has been one of the most lovely experiences of my life, as Selma is an incredible person and an inspiration.

Selma turned 103 this year and has had – and continues to have – a truly remarkable life. She was a member of the Dutch resistance during World War II (and has been highly decorated for her resistance work) and is the last Dutch survivor of the Ravensbruck concentration camp. After the war she went on to have an extremely full and accomplished life, initially as a maths teacher and later – until her 80s – as a journalist, not to mention her personal accomplishments in art, golf, bridge, cookery and travel. Just a few years ago, in her mid-90s, she  wrote an internationally bestselling autobiography, “My Name Is Selma“ (which I highly recommend).

At the age of 103 Selma continues to educate people about what she learned from her wartime experiences, through online, newspaper and TV interviews.

During my visits with Selma we have done all sorts of things, such as going for walks, to medical appointments, shopping or just having tea and a chat. I also act as her informal PA as, due to her now limited eyesight, I can provide practical support by reading and sending emails and dealing with post. I’ve also very much enjoyed advocating for her with care services.

Through volunteering I have found in Selma a wonderful friend, and I feel honoured and privileged to spend time with her. Every week she inspires me, as she is a shining example of recovery and resilience, and how to have an amazing life no matter what challenges, such as war, atrocity, or loss of sight, are thrown one’s way. Thank you Creighton Centre for reconnecting me with Selma.