After years of hard work, Jenny Lymburn finally qualified as an occupational therapist (OT) after completing her apprenticeship.
But her success is bittersweet after her husband died on New Year’s Eve last year, before he could see her reach her goal of becoming an OT.
Jenny, who works in the REACT (Reactive Emergency Assessment Community Team) team at ESNEFT, said: “I’m so proud to finally wear an OT uniform – but I’m so sad Gary will never get to see me wear it.”

Jenny Lymburn
Gary died of cancer at the age of 52.
Jenny, 55, joined the team at Ipswich Hospital 21 years ago as an occupational therapy assistant.
She knew immediately it was the job she wanted to do, but required years of training, which included a Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care, a foundation degree and then finally an OT apprenticeship she started in 2022 through East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). She’s the first person to have completed an OT apprenticeship at the Trust.

Jenny and Gary Lymburn at Jenny’s graduation
“Training without working was never an option – I just couldn’t afford it, so being able to study while being employed was fantastic.” Jenny said. “Gary was so supportive all through those years and when he was poorly I nearly stopped the course, but he said ‘you’ve worked so damn hard, don’t stop now.’ ”
Jenny, who has two grown-up children and three grandchildren, had a short break while Gary’s health deteriorated.
She returned to her study and completed the course with first class honours.
Jenny is based in the REACT team, which offers support to patients in the community in crisis to prevent a hospital admission and provide holistic support at home.
She added: “It helped when I returned to the course as I had something to focus on, and the team have been so supportive, but it breaks my heart Gary will never see me achieve my goal. Age isn’t a barrier to learning and I know he’d be so proud of me.”
There’s a variety of career development opportunities available at ESNEFT:
- You can find out more about apprenticeship opportunities on the ESNEFT website.
- Short-term work experience placements are available. Email workexperience@esneft.nhs.uk
- You can email our Talent For Care team talentforcare@esneft.nhs.ukto find out more about the opportunities at ESNEFT or to ask any questions about NHS careers.
- Job opportunities at ESNEFT are listed on the NHS job page.