My step-aunt Thelma Bamford, who has died aged 87, had a long and illustrious career, first as a state registered nurse, midwife and health visitor, and then as a pioneer in health education.
Having gained a diploma at London University, she worked from 1969 in Enfield, north London, and from 1971 until her retirement in 1983 in Lambeth, south London, as each district's first health education officer. She was a founder member of the Institute of Health Education (later the Institute of Health Promotion and Education). Thelma was a natural leader and her innovative presentation and enthusiasm for such issues as sex education, breastfeeding, and promoting physical exercise, ensured she made a lasting impact wherever she worked.
Thelma was born in Hough-on-the-Hill, Lincolnshire, where her mother was postmistress. She had a half-brother 20 years her senior, and older half-siblings in Canada. Within four years, her father died, and her mother married a widower with four children, and they moved to north London, where Thelma attended Trinity grammar school, Wood Green.
At the outbreak of the second world war Thelma and her mother were visiting her half-brother in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe); they returned to Britain on the last boat leaving Cape Town. By D-day, Thelma was nursing in Guildford, Surrey, receiving the wounded from Normandy.
After the war came a spell with the Women's Land Army in Sussex, and years nursing in Canada. Thelma returned to Britain in 1952 to pursue her nursing career in Nottinghamshire, Manchester and Skegness, where she was instrumental in the production of a (progressive) film, To Janet a Son, showing childbirth. Years later, she discovered a health centre in Africa proudly showing this film.
Thelma loved travelling, gardening, nature, theatre, opera, reading and cats. She was a great favourite with children, took an active role in local affairs and, until her health declined, was a party animal. She donated her body for medical education. Thelma is survived by three half-nephews, a half-niece, six step-nieces and a step-nephew.