When coronavirus hit, Chanelle Smith was one of hundreds of University of Bristol medicine students who stepped up to the frontline of the NHS while still studying.
Her work – including in critical care – has led to her inclusion in One Hundred Reasons to Hope, a children’s illustrated book that publisher Puffin says “celebrates the stories of triumph, perseverance and positivity from the past year”.
The book is curated by double Paralympic gold medallist Danielle Brown MBE, illustrated by Adam Larkum and begins with a foreword from Captain Sir Tom Moore’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore.
Chanelle said: “I am completely overwhelmed and humbled to be included in a children’s book full of such inspirational stories.
“I feel so grateful to be able to represent all the medical students that stepped up during such an uncertain time. As a medical student, I felt that discharge letters, taking bloods, all small but essential jobs were not worthy of commendation but, just as Tom Moore has shown us, no action is too small to make a difference!
“It is truly a privilege to stand alongside such esteemed and courageous individuals. This book encapsulates everything that Tom Moore stands for and I am sure that it will truly inspire hope.”
Chanelle began studying medicine at Bristol in 2016. She trained in hospitals across the South West and worked in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital’s Emergency Department during the pandemic. During this time she described the “humbling experience” of working with NHS doctors and nurses who were “stepping up and working with smiles on their faces despite the really difficult circumstances”.
Her work led to her being featured in several articles – including the BBC, Guardian and Bristol Post. She finished studying in June 2021 and is now working as a junior NHS doctor in East Lancashire. She plans to become an ophthalmologist – or eye specialist.
Captain Sir Tom Moore captured the heart of the nation and raised £38.9m for the NHS when he walked 100 laps of his garden.
He received countless emails and letters from others inspiring hope in their communities and spoke to many of them on Zoom and over the phone. Some of these people have been included in the book.
Hannah Ingram-Moore, Captain Tom’s daughter, said: “My father loved nothing better than hearing people’s stories and marvelling at unexpected courage. When we were growing up, my father would say ‘Don’t just talk about the weather. Ask people for a fact about themselves. Then you’ll find out who people really are and their lives will probably surprise you’. These stories of the unexpected courage of everyday people have done just that.”
Professor Andrew Blythe, who was Director of Bristol’s Medical Programme during Chanelle’s time at University, said: “Chanelle was one of many medical students at Bristol who stepped forward during the height of the COVID pandemic to help out on the wards. She did this both within and in addition to her studies.
“As for so many people the pandemic presented huge challenges for our students but Chanelle and her peers seized the opportunity to become a key part of the health care team.”
One Hundred Reasons to Hope is published on September 16 by Puffin. £1 from each hardback sale in the UK and Ireland will be donated to The Captain Tom Foundation.
