Two generations of one family celebrate over 20 years of caring for King’s patients

19 December 2024 - Kelsey, Ashley and Allyson Olar have all joined Team King’s, following in their mother’s footsteps

Four family members who all work at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust say they ‘love making a difference’ to patients’ lives.

Aira Olar studied nursing in the Philippines and began working as a nurse at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) in 2001. She explained: “Coming from a family of nurses, I saw how content and fulfilled they were in their careers, which inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Even back when I was a student nurse in the Philippines, I knew of King’s reputation for excellent care. Being part of such a well-respected team is a real privilege—it’s great to know I’m contributing to the kind of care that King’s is known for.

“I have been at the PRUH for 23 years and work as a Junior Sister. The best part of my job is being there for patients during tough times and seeing them recover. I also really enjoy mentoring students and colleagues. It’s great to share what I’ve learned and watch them grow.”

Aira’s three daughters have now become the next generation of Team King’s. Twins Ashley and Kesley trained together as nurses before they both joined the Trust in 2021, exactly 20 years after their mother began working at the PRUH.

Ashley Olar, an Emergency Department Nurse at King’s College Hospital, said: “Looking back now, my mother was the one who encouraged me to become a nurse. She has always been so enthusiastic about her work, and I knew I wanted to have a career that was just as rewarding. For me, nursing is not just a profession. I love being able to make a difference in people’s lives when they are at their most vulnerable.”

Kelsey Olar, who works as a Nurse Team Manager at the PRUH, added: “It means so much to me to be able to work at the same Trust as my family. We can be there for each other, and I hope we inspire each other to give patients exceptional care.”

In July 2024, Ashley and Kelsey’s younger sister Allyson became the latest member of the Olar family to join the Trust as a trainee pharmacist, based at King’s College Hospital. She said: “I joined King’s because I wanted to work in a challenging environment that would push me to grow and develop professionally. My mum and sisters have supported me every step of the way and it’s a privilege to be here.”

Aira Olar added: “I’m so proud of my amazing daughters. We support each other through the hard days and celebrate the wins together. We want to make sure our patients have the best care, and to be part of Team King’s is to have the best job in the world.”