Supporter’s Blog – Kathryn Layton

Well it’s been almost a year now since I last watched the mighty Pont in action at the House of Pain. After nearly fifty years of following the team week in week out that has been very difficult to cope with, and what a year it’s been.

During the first lockdown I started keeping myself busy by knitting rainbows, hearts and nurse / medical dolls, mindful of the great work being done by NHS staff.

I then became a security guard of sorts – well I walked my dogs around the Ponty ground looking out for anyone who shouldn’t be there and helping the Sardis Patrol group that had been set up. Thanks to all those who volunteered last summer we kept the place safe and now have more CCTV coverage around the stadium.

I have also changed my career direction completely. Since September I have been working at a Covid 19 testing unit swabbing NHS staff, key workers and pre op / treatment patients, which has been difficult at times.

Watching rugby in the past definitely helped me acclimatise to the new job, as we test outside in all weathers – it’s just like being at a game sometimes. I am now moving on from there and by the time this blog goes online I should have finished testing and about to start with the immunisation department, alas not giving the vaccine but on the admin side of things. I can’t wait to get back indoors and work in the warm again!

With immunisation now well underway, hopefully it won’t be too long before we can all be back at the “House of Pain” again and watching our great team. I can’t wait to meet up with old friends and to meet new ones, all following the Pont.

Kathryn Layton