Fourteen years. That's more than 5,000 days, and so many of those days I have spent here at this place, walking these long corridors—often at night, often alone.
I know so many hidden places. The best place to watch the sunset, or to see a full moon. Places where the homeless spend their nights, places where you porters hide wheelchairs, where nurses keep stock, where staff go to take a breath.
I love Whipps. There is so much history in every brick—some with clear writing and dates that go back to the 1930s. I love the architecture, the hidden and displayed artwork. I love the things that once stood high but were then demolished to make way for new things.
But more than long corridors, more than hidden gems, more than beautiful architecture—I love the people. The so many fantastic people I met over all these 14 years.
You made me a better version of myself. You became much more than just co-workers and colleagues. You taught me much, cared for me much, supported me much. And for that, I am grateful—eternally grateful.
Fourteen years... 5,000 days... We have seen some hard days, some fun days, some busy days—almost always busy—and some very sad days. We lost friends and loved ones. We gained new friends. We saw new love, new families, newborns. And I had the honor and the pleasure to share so many of these moments, harsh and warm, with so many of you. And for that, I am grateful.
Through the many tough times we have seen over the years, and recently myself, there has always been love, care, and compassion. And for that, I am grateful.
As I walk out of Whipps at the end of this week, I do not just leave a great place of work—I leave so much more. But I will carry with me, like a tattoo on my shoulder, all the great memories we shared together, the friends I will cherish forever.
And for that, I am grateful.
Ahmad Baker
September 2025
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