Hindu youth groups have teamed up with hospital nurses to celebrate the Raksha Bandhan festival of peace and protection.

Nurses from the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust which runs Slough's Wexham Park Hospital were specially invited to festival celebration organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Sevika Samiti (HSS UK) youth groups at the Herschel Sports Centre in Whitby Road, Slough.

The nurses observed the youth group’s activities of ‘khel’ games which encourage good character and ‘bauddhik’ discussion based on Hindu ideals to create healthy community relations. This was followed by the ceremony of tying the ‘Rakhis’ (sacred threads) onto the wrists of all present as a symbol of protection.

The Slough branch of HSS UK honoured the nurses for all they do for the community. In previous years, members of the Thames Valley Police and Langley Firefighters have joined HSS UK in celebrating the festival of peace and protection.

Guest speaker on the day was local artist and HSS UK volunteer Vidhu Sharma, who said: “It is a privilege to be joined by representatives of society’s greatest protectors – our local nurses from the NHS – who continue to protect us despite what must be difficult working conditions due to the nature of their job. Nurses work hard caring for diverse members of the community who are unwell, yet remain sympathetic and good humoured."

Present were Interim Director of Nursing Maxine McVey, Sister Rena Johnson and Staff Nurses Annie Avery and Karen Malik.

Maxine McVey said: “This is an event that will stay with me forever. I had always wanted to be a nurse and I have done it with pride and joy but it was especially nice to be recognised and acknowledged in this unique way.”

The HSS UK meet every Sunday at the Herschel Sports Centre between 10am and noon. New members are always welcome.