Sisters re-united thanks to lost Second World War military medal
Sisters re-united thanks to lost Second World War military medal
Kay Clements' work as a mechanic helped keep Britain's famous spitfirefighters flying through the Second World War. She lost a medal she received for her work, but that led her to the sister she'd not seen for years
Brenda Medway, 93, who lives at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home with her sister Kathleen Kay Clement, 101, during their emotional reunion after many years.
(Image: Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home )
Two sisters aged 101 and 93 have been re-united after years apart thanks to news of a lost military medal and efforts by care home staff. Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement had an emotional reunion at HC-One Wales's Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home in Skewen, Neath.
Staff "went above and beyond" to reunite the long lost sisters. Brenda, 93, who has lived at the home for two years, had told staff for some time she wanted to see her older sister, Kay, aged 101, whom she believed was living in a care home in the Sketty area.
Despite the best efforts of the care team to locate her, initial attempts proved unsuccessful. Tomos Lovell, a senior carer at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn decided to continue the search in his own time.
Trawling the internet late one evening led him to a breakthrough when he spotted an article about a 101-year-old woman named Kathleen 'Kay' Clement, who had recently been re-awarded a military medal she had lost.
Kathleen Clement as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force
(Image: PA )
He read that in 2024 Kay, whose mechanical skills helped keep Britain's famous spitfire fighters flying through the Second World War, received a replacement for the long-lost medal she received for her work.
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Born in 1924 she worked as a mechanic based at RAF Loughborough as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (Waaf) during the war. When fighting ended she was awarded a Loyal Service Medal for her efforts on behalf of King George VI, but later lost it.
It was only when she heard she was to be given the Mayor's Award by former Neath Port Talbot mayor Chris Williams, that she mentioned she'd also once had another medal but lost it.
Hearing this the authorities decided to surprise her with a replacement war time medal which was presented by Wing Commander Stephen Fry, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, and Air Commodore Robert Woods, Air Officer Wales.
News of the replacement medal presentation and the war time work Kay got it for was reported online, which Tomos spotted.
Making inquiries after reading the story he discovered that Kay was living just five miles away at The Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Tonna.
When staff showed Brenda the article to check it was her sister she immediately recognised her sister and was overwhelmed.
Staff at her care home then arranged a surprise reunion with help from The Old Vicarage. With the support of Tomos and Kaylie Watkins, the wellbeing coordinator at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn, Brenda made the short journey to see her sister Kay.
Brenda Medway and her sister Kathleen Kay Clement when they were younger
(Image: Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home )
Afterwards Brenda, who has no immediate family left, said: 'She's still wicked as ever — she hasn't changed a bit!'
"The emotional visit was filled with laughter, joy, and tender moments," the care home said, "Kay recognised her 'little sister' and shared warm memories. The pair spent time chatting, laughing, and exchanging stories as if no time had passed."
They parted with the promise of another visit soon.
Tomos said seeing the sisters re-united reminded the whole team why they do what they do: "This reunion truly embodies what person-centred care means. It's about listening, caring, and making the impossible possible. Seeing Brenda and Kay together again reminded all of us why we do what we do.
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'We're incredibly proud of our team and thankful to The Old Vicarage for welcoming us with such kindness. Plans are now in motion for regular visits so the sisters can continue to reconnect and share more precious time together."
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