An Aberystwyth native has been reunited with a nurse that cared for her 38 years ago after posting a photo on Facebook.

In 1983, at the age of six, Claire Weveritt had her tonsils and adenoids removed in Bronglais Hospital.

During Claire’s stay at the hospital, this photograph was taken of her and a nurse.

Claire, who moved away from the town at age 11, says she has “since looked back on the classic photo fondly”.

Now 44, Claire posted the photo on an Aberystwyth Facebook group in February 2021, asking if anyone can identify the nurse.

And thanks to the power of social media, Claire was reunited with the nurse in the photo, Margaret Harries, who still works as a nurse in Aberystwyth.

“My dad believes the photographer was Ron Davies, a well known disabled photographer from Aberaeron,” Claire said.

“He must have been doing some work on the ward. He gave us a copy, which I have always looked on fondly because it’s such a classic photo with the old-fashioned nurses outfit.

“Last year, with Covid-19, I started wondering if I could find out who the nurse was. I posted back in February with the photo asking if anyone recognised the nurse and sure enough plenty of people knew it to be Margaret Harries and she is still nursing today, 38 years later!”

After making contact on Facebook, Claire and Margaret “caught up” in Aberystwyth on Sunday, 30 May.

On meeting Margaret, Claire said: “I was surreal but amazing. The powers of social media meant it was possible whereas years ago that was it, I’d never have been able to find out who she was! The response on the Facebook page has been overwhelming too!”

Claire now lives in Cheltenham after moving away from Caradog Road, Aberystwyth, at age 11, when her father, a police officer, transferred to Carmarthen.

“I try to come back to Aber once a year as I am still in touch with some primary school friends,” she said.