She and her colleague were tasked with setting up a dressing clinic for the “walking wounded”, she remembers, helping those with minor burns to their hands and feet.
“In a lot of ways it felt unreal, but they are memories that will go to my grave with me,” she says.
Angela is believed to be the last nurse still working at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust who was involved in caring for victims of the disaster, according to a trust spokesperson.
The nurse, who finished her nursing training in 1984, helped survivors of the fire recover from burns, fractures and life-changing injuries in the following weeks and months.
Over the following decades, she built a career in trauma and orthopaedic nursing – becoming manager of a trauma, breast and orthopaedics ward.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and again in 2022.
Looking ahead to retirement, Angela says she plans to focus on family, travel and “making memories” with loved ones.
“Living with secondary breast cancer is a lottery to how long I have left,” she says.
“I have a bucket list of places I want to visit and adventures I want to have.
“My husband Peter and I have restored an old camper van and we’re looking forward to exploring more of the UK together.
“I also want to spend precious time with my six grandchildren and my elderly parents.”
She adds: “It’s been a privilege to care for the people of Bradford for so many years.
“Nursing will always be part of who I am.”
