Queen’s Nurse Featured in National Portrait Gallery’s ‘Lives in Motion’ Exhibition

Charlene Johal QN, a Lead Matron and Clinical Lead, was invited to be involved in the ‘Lives in Motion: Stories of migration from the 11th century to the present day’. Charlene was asked to be involved as a nurse with parents from Indian and Jamaican backgrounds, as a QN and a Nottingham CityCare nurse. The exhibition is touring the UK in conjunction with the National Portrait Gallery in London. Find out more about her story and experience below.

It is a true honour to be part of Lives in Motion, an inspiring exhibition at Nottingham Castle in conjunction with the National Portrait Gallery that celebrates the stories, journeys, and contributions of people who have migrated to the UK and made it their home. The exhibition brings together powerful personal narratives, portraits, and artworks that explore themes of identity, belonging, and the many ways migration has shaped the social and cultural fabric of our society.

For me, this exhibition holds a special meaning. Both sets of my grandparents, as well as my father, came to the UK many years ago to work and to help build and sustain the country’s public services. Their courage, resilience, and determination paved the way for future generations, and I carry their legacy with immense pride. I feel that showcasing this, especially in this current climate demonstrates such a positive aspect of migration which is so important.

As a nurse, I am privileged to continue that tradition of caring for others, supporting communities, and contributing to the NHS, one of the greatest symbols of collective effort and compassion.

I am deeply grateful to have been invited to take part in this remarkable exhibition and to share my family’s story. It stands as a reminder that our lives are all connected — shaped by movement, migration, and the shared hope for a better future.