Would you volunteer your time to provide support to those in need, often in the most testing circumstances?

Could you do all of this alongside your regular full-time job?

The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps) – known as the FANY – has 150 members who all volunteer their time to help others. Established in 1907, the FANY continues to be an essential part of London's emergency response capability, with members on call 24/7 365 days a year to provide surge relief to civil and military authorities in times of national need. 

In this brand new series, FANYs share their stories of resilience, fortitude and humour, give an insight into the world's longest established uniformed voluntary organisation for women, and illustrate why their motto: ‘Arduis Invicta’ or ‘I cope’ – is so fitting

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In this second episode, we meet Joyce Wilding who, in 1943 aged just 18, volunteered to join the FANY and almost immediately became a member of the SOE – Special Operations Executive. Her recollections of the time she served in WW2 – along with her energy - are extraordinary – particularly for someone who is now aged 102.  She said that VE Day was one of the best days of her life – and here she is -  80 years later, still celebrating…

In the first episode, we meet Laura Lean who embodied what was characteristic of a FANY (both past and present); a determination to face challenges head-on, with fortitude, pragmatism, and a sense of humour. This conversation took place only a few months before her tragic death from cancer at the age of only 48, and considers how to cope with failure, how we can draw strength from setbacks, and how to keep motivated in some of the most difficult circumstances.

Find out more about the impact that Laura made on the Corps – and far beyond – here and on The Last Word here