After 19 years as a hospital chaplain and 17 years with our Trust, our much loved Reverend Tim Coleman retires on Tuesday 16 March.

In 2002, Tim decided to see what it was like being a hospital chaplain when he left his role as a parish priest in Ilford to join the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow. Two years later, he began his role as chaplain of Oldchurch Hospital.

A well-known figure across our hospital wards and offices, Tim has seen a lot of change in his time at our Trust. He said: “I remember getting up really early some days in December 2006 to formally pray for us as we moved from Oldchurch Hospital to Queen’s Hospital, which was a very exciting time. Baby blessings have been the happiest part of my role. Sharing those very joyous moments is something I will always cherish.

“I’ve also loved watching junior nurses develop and seeing the progression of staff has been beautiful. From senior consultants to hospital porters, the care our staff provides to patients is wonderful.”

Tim would never have chosen his last year as a hospital chaplain to be during a pandemic, witnessing sadness and heartache, socially distanced corridors, and virtual meetings; but recognised that unfortunately this is the world we currently live in.

However, his fondness and admiration for his colleagues can never be dampened. Tim explained: “As a chaplain and like so many hospital staff, I have witnessed many sad things. But throughout my time here, I have shared my days with the most wonderful people. The chaplaincy team have been a joy to work with.

“Getting to know my colleagues has been great, sometimes sharing joys and sorrows too. Stopping in corridors to catch up, having a chat about music, football, rugby or cricket. Staff in all kinds of roles, with beating hearts of a caring nature. People who can appear comfortable when it’s not. I am so grateful to have shared my time here with you all.”

While he is sad to leave our Trust, Tim cannot wait to enjoy retirement especially once life opens up after lockdown. He said: “I am most looking forward to doing the things I once took for granted. I love UK holidays, long walks with my wife, who is a retired nurse, and I also can’t wait to spend more time with my son and daughter.

Tim also couldn’t hide his other loves that he will enjoy. A pint of real ale, watching Brentford FC at their new stadium and visiting his favourite Indian restaurant: Sharods in Barkingside.

Philip Wright, our lead Trust chaplain, has shared his fondness for Tim and explained what an integral role he played in his development. Philip said: “I first joined the Trust as a chaplaincy pastoral visitor, and in the autumn of 2006 it was Tim, alongside his colleague Dave Mackay, that trained me.

“Once I felt chaplaincy was something I wanted to consider as a career, Tim was influential in my journey. He encouraged me to speak to other lead chaplains, which led me to do an MA in Pastoral Theology. He has continued to mentor me throughout my rise to becoming lead chaplain, which I will always be so grateful for. He even mentored me to drink real ale, although I stopped at his suggestion to start supporting Brentford FC!

“Tim will be missed so much and I’m sure I will be ringing him for advice in the not too distant future.”

Tim’s final words are for his colleagues. “Thank you for your friendship. I’m going to miss you and I’ll keep you in my prayers. God Bless.”