Press Release

Nursing Legend Artefacts Donated To North West

01st November 2006

Historical documents detailing the life, work and death of Donegal born nursing pioneer Agnes Jones are being donated to the north west by one of her descendants. Peter Jones, who’s a great great nephew of Agnes, has uncovered previously unknown letters and artefacts which he wants to donate to a museum in the region.

A film, depicting the Agnes Jones story, is to be premiered in Derry this Friday at the Guildhall.

It’s believed the artefacts were sent to Peter’s family, when Agnes’ older sister Josephine died. He’d heard stories about a pioneering aunt but it was only when he started to research his family tree three years ago that he uncovered a series of letters and other documents about his aunt Agnes Jones - including a letter of condolence from Florence Nightingale, which was sent to Agnes’ parents when she died.

Speaking ahead of the film premiere, the Mayor, Councillor Helen Quigley says she’s overwhelmed by the gesture.

“These letters are an amazing factual record of Agnes Jones’ relationship with Florence Nightingale and I would like to say a big thank you to her great great nephew Peter Jones for agreeing to donate them to the region. Agnes was an amazing woman who was ahead of her time. She revamped nursing practices which not only transformed Liverpool’s workhouse slums into havens of hope but her standards and initiatives have influenced the modern caring profession.

“I think Agnes is a great role model for women everywhere. Despite social restrictions, bureaucratic intransigence, family issues and poor health she pursued her ambitions and her radical approach changed the world of nursing forever. She may have lived 150 years ago but her confidence, drive and independence are as relevant today as ever.”

Agnes Jones coined the phrase, ‘The Poorest of the Poor’ and her work with the most deprived and impoverished members of society has shaped the modern world of nursing.

Explaining his decision to donate historical artefacts to the north west, Peter Jones said:

“I know that Derry and Donegal is my aunts spiritual home and she was laid to rest at the family home in Fahan. I think it’s appropriate that these documents form part of an exhibition illustrating her life and achievements, which will bring her story to everyone who visits the area.

“Her legacy has been her influence on the world of nursing and healthcare and I hope that through these records her memory will live on in the minds and hearts of the people of Ireland and her achievements will live forever.”

The letters and artefacts will be presented to the Mayor at the premier of the drama-documentary Agnes, in the Guildhall. A book on Agnes life, written by Felicity McCall, will also be launched at the premier. She explained why she decided to investigate Agnes’ life.

“Agnes Jones is one of the most influential and inspiring women who ever lived but few people know who she was or what she achieved. She was a native of Fahan who was ahead of her time. She pursued her ambitions in nursing to change the lives of millions of people worldwide.

“Her story is incredible and one which everyone in Derry and Donegal should know and feel proud of. I am delighted that we have the chance to re-introduce Agnes Jones to everyone here. She was a real inspiration and I’m sure our thousands of tourists and local people can’t failed to be touched by her achievements.”

Agnes Jones’ great great nephew, Peter Jones and his daughter Theresa will fly from their native New Zealand to attend the Derry world premiere of the film Agnes on Friday 3rd November at 8.00pm

Notes to Editor:

Photo Opportunity:

The Mayor, Cllr Helen Quigley will host a reception at the Mayors Parlour, Guildhall, at 7.00 pm prior to the film premiere which is being screened at the Main Hal, Guildhall at 8.00pm

Ends

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