A former Petty Officer with more than 12 years service in the Armed Forces attended a special event at HMS Drake where a truck was named the Jenny Wren in her honour.
Photo: Roy Perring
Gill Chapman who is 59, is receiving treatment in Plymouth for terminal cancer. At the very top of her bucket list was to enjoy a ride in a Stobart Truck.
Gill’s wish was granted very much trough the work of another former member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, Pat Clifton from Yeovil. Gill had shared her bucket list through a Facebook group of serving and ex serving WRENs and when Pat heard of Gill’s list she contacted Stobart.
“We are delighted to make Gill’s wish come true”
Now very much an iconic brand Stobart must get many such requests, but Pat’s perseverance played off as Stobart said were very pleased to honour the forces. Not only would they give Gill a ride in a truck at HMNB Devonport but they’d let Gill rename one and the name she chose was Jenny Wren. It was also to mark the centenary of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS).
Regular driver of the mighty Jenny Wren truck, Chris Hurst, was down from Tilbury Docks. He normally delivers biofuel for Stobart Energy. He told the Chronicle
“It’s brilliant to drive such an iconic truck and even more so now its the Jenny Wren”.
Gill said that she regretted not doing a truck driving course when leaving the services. When asked how she was feeling about todays event she replied,
“Absolutely outstanding. Really! I’m pleased and proud of the ladies in the WREN’s who made it all happen.”
After group photos including Gill’s friends, family and former colleagues there was a break for a reception in the President’s Suite at HMS Drake and then Gill’s wish was granted. She claimed up into the passenger seat of the towering vehicle and Chris Hurst drove her around the edge of the car park several times. She was delighted.
John Dickson, Regional Operations Manager at Stobart Energy said:
“We are delighted to make Gill’s wish come true and it was honour to have her ride in one of our iconic vehicles. We would also like to thank HM Plymouth for hosting the event and everyone else who helped out and attended today.”
Around 20 people, including friends, family and former colleagues of Gill, attended the event. The Dauntless Association, which brings together all ex-WRNS members regardless of rank or age, made the request to Stobart Energy.
Amazingly Pat Clifton who had got things started said she and several of the other ex WRENs had not met Gill until that morning.
“We’re shortly off to lunch together and then home.”
No doubt their Facebook page will have been pretty busy.
