Between the four of them, they’ve clocked up over 54 years of service looking after patients and have loved every minute of it.

In 1990, Wendy joined PTS as an auxiliary, now known as an ambulance care assistant. For the last 34 years, she has enjoyed various jobs within the service, including on the road, in the control room, and as a team leader.

She met her husband, John Burke, when he was also working as an auxiliary. They married and went on to have two daughters, Katie and Niamh.

John left the service in 2004 after sixteen years, although he returned for a while as a volunteer car driver supporting PTS.

Following in mum and dad’s footsteps, Katie joined the service in 2021 and Niamh in August last year, making her the latest family member of the Burke family to join Team NWAS.

The sisters are both based at Audenshaw ambulance station and did their first shift together recently. Katie said, “When I left university, I went into a job in sales, and it was so boring being in an office from nine to five. I kept thinking there was more to life than this.

“I knew I wanted a rewarding job, and I knew exactly what mum did and how much she liked it. I applied for the ambulance care assistant role, and now I am so happy doing what I am doing as I find helping people so fulfilling. What’s more, I get to work with my sister every so often, which is brilliant.”

Wendy said of her daughters’ career choices, “I never expected both of our daughters to join the ambulance service, but I am proud that they have. They are loving it and seem settled in their roles.

“Once you get your foot in the door at NWAS, there are lots of opportunities and career paths you can take, so I am excited for the girls.”

If you want to join NWAS and have a career with heart, we advertise all our current jobs on our website where you can apply.