Two Sisters in Wales Reunited After Decades Apart, Thanks to Lost WWII Medal
In a touching story that blends wartime service with modern acts of kindness, two elderly sisters from south Wales have been joyfully reunited after years of separation – all thanks to the rediscovery of a Second World War military medal.
Brenda Medway, aged 93, and her older sister Kathleen ‘Kay’ Clement, who recently celebrated her 101st birthday, were brought together for an emotional reunion at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home in Skewen, Neath. The sisters, who had not seen each other for years, were finally able to embrace once more due to efforts sparked by the discovery of Kay’s lost wartime honour.
The remarkable series of events began when care home staff at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn learned from Brenda about her wish to see her sister again. Brenda had long believed Kay was living in a nearby care facility, but despite several attempts to track down her whereabouts, initial searches proved fruitless. Nevertheless, this did not deter Tomos Lovell, a devoted senior carer at the home, who decided to continue the search on his own initiative.
Late one evening, while browsing online, Tomos stumbled across an article that proved to be the breakthrough everyone was hoping for. The story highlighted Kay Clement’s recent re-presentation of a replacement wartime medal she had earned during the Second World War, after having misplaced the original decades ago. The connection between the long-lost sisters was finally established.
Kay Clement, who was born in 1924, served as a mechanic with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during the Second World War. Stationed at RAF Loughborough, her role was instrumental in maintaining the Spitfire aircraft that formed the backbone of Britain’s aerial defence. Following the end of the war, Kay’s invaluable service was recognised with the Loyal Service Medal, awarded on behalf of King George VI. However, the cherished medal was lost over time.
The missing medal only came back into focus in 2024, when Kay was nominated for the Mayor’s Award in Neath Port Talbot. Upon hearing that she would be recognised by the former mayor, Chris Williams, Kay revealed to the organisers that she had once owned a service medal, now lost. Officials decided to surprise her with a replacement, which was presented during a formal ceremony by representatives of the Royal Air Force in West Glamorgan.
It was this heartwarming story that caught the attention of Tomos Lovell. Realising the Kay in the article could be Brenda’s sister, Tomos made further enquiries and confirmed that Kay was indeed residing nearby – just five miles away at The Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Tonna. When Brenda was shown the article and a recent photograph, she instantly recognised her older sister.
With the support of both care homes and staff members including Kaylie Watkins, wellbeing coordinator at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn, arrangements were swiftly made for an in-person reunion. Brenda’s anticipation and emotion were evident, as she prepared to see the sibling she remembered from so many years before.
When they finally met, the joy between the two was palpable. Laughter filled the room as Brenda remarked playfully, “She’s still wicked as ever — she hasn’t changed a bit!” According to care home staff, the sisters spent the afternoon reminiscing and sharing stories as though no time had passed, reaffirming their special bond. Both were quick to make plans for future visits, promising that this remarkable reunion was only the beginning.
For those involved in orchestrating the meeting, the emotional scenes served as a powerful reminder of the importance of individual attention and empathy in caring for the elderly. Tomos Lovell reflected that, “This reunion truly embodies what person-centred care means. It’s about listening, caring, and making the impossible possible.”
Now, with new arrangements for regular visits, Brenda and Kay will be able to make up for lost time, forging new memories in the twilight years of their remarkable lives. Their story stands as a testament to the enduring connections of family, the historical role of women in wartime Britain, and the tireless dedication of care workers.