' A wonderful career.' - Carpenter turned Specialist Nurse retires after 33 years with poignant message to colleagues

Robert Freear, a Specialist Nurse working for Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, retires this month after 33 years of dedication supporting patients. His most recent role within Bridlington & Driffield Community Mental Health Team is a far cry from his original career in carpentry but has brought him a great deal of joy.

As his parting gift Robert wrote a message to say goodbye to Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust and the staff he has shared his journey with.

In his special message shared to those he’s worked with over the course of his career in healthcare, Robert thanks his colleagues for their support and kindness. He shares:

“I just want to say a massive and heartfelt thank you to all those people I have worked with and who have influenced me in my different work areas and roles. Thank you for seeing me through those challenging times, helping me develop and implement new skills and encouraging me forward, even when I had my personal doubts. Years from now, I will look back on these highlights and think about those people who helped shape a role and career I have thoroughly loved and found so rewarding.”

Read his full letter below.

A wonderful career, by Robert Freear

I began working for the NHS in 1992 at De La Pole hospital, I know! Dinosaur, right? I was a qualified carpenter who found himself out of work so applied for a job on one of the wards. I was employed on a temporary 3-month contract which eventually became permanent. But this gave me entry into a new role and propelled me along a path I didn’t know was for me. 33 years later, I still work for the same trust at which I started, it’s just had different names.

Throughout those years, I have had many highs and many lows. Over my 30+ years doing this job I have gained so much knowledge and developed my skills and thoroughly enjoyed my role as a leader, mentor, nurse, teacher, guide, colleague and friend to the many people I have encountered along the way.

I just want to say a massive and heartfelt thank you to all those people I have worked with and who have influenced me in my different work areas and roles. Thank you for seeing me through those challenging times, helping me develop and implement new skills and encouraging me forward, even when I had my personal doubts. Years from now, I will look back on these highlights and think about those people who helped shape a role and career I have thoroughly loved and found so rewarding.

Therefore, it is with sadness that I leave my current role in the Bridlington CMHT and those people and colleagues I work with, but after so long, I am aware that it is now time for me to leave and enjoy the benefits of retirement. I will finally build the wardrobes that I have promised my wife I would make for the last 17 years, so will always be busy.

My last day in the trust will be on the 12th of September 2025. So to everyone within this Trust, I would like to say good luck with all your future ventures, and I wish you all well.

Thank You again.

Robb Freear.