My North East: Karen Torley

July 17, 2018

Karen Torley is divisional manager for Marie Curie in the North of England, based at the Marie Curie Hospice in Elswick, Newcastle. A nurse for 35 years, Karen works for families across the North East and North West living with terminal illness to maintain the best quality of life when time is precious. Her role involves dialogue with NHS colleagues and others, to design and deliver high quality hospice and community nursing services to meet people’s needs at end of life. The charity is dependent upon the support of its many fundraisers and volunteers to supplement income from the NHS

I was born in Cumbria but came to the North East 40 years ago to study at university. I then completed my training as a nurse in the region.

The best thing about living and working in the North East is the people; they are genuine and hard working. The region also has so many wonderful places to visit within easy reach for most.

My favourite area is Gosforth, where I live. It has everything my family needs, including excellent schools and transport links.

I have only just learnt to swim with my young grandson, Jack, and together we can’t get enough of the water at Gosforth swimming pool.

I love Adriano’s Italian restaurant on Gosforth High Street. The food, staff and atmosphere are all brilliant. Rosie’s in the shopping centre also does a mean scone and cup of tea.

I travel on the East Coast Mainline a lot. Travelling North on the train, the view across to Holy Island is amazing. Returning home from London, seeing the bridges across the Tyne is a welcome sight.

My ‘hidden gem’ in the North East is the artisan shops on Ashburton Road in Gosforth. You can get wonderful black pudding at Charlotte’s butchery.

I love to walk the bridle path near my home. Within minutes I can see deer, squirrels and swans.

Marie Curie
www.mariecurie.org.uk
karen.torley@mariecurie.org.uk