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Nurse Isobel Thompson

Nurse Isobel Thompson worked for CORSO from 1947-50 during China’s brutal civil war, helping orphaned children. She was there because of an appeal to New Zealand from Madame Sun Yat-sen for qualified staff to work in the Peace Hospitals. Lynda hears from the Consul General of China and broadcaster George Andrews about why Nurse Isobel Thompson is considered a household name in China.

China Welfare Fund identification document signed by Mme Soon Ching Ling - Courtesy George Andrews and Thompson family

CORSO workers, Mr George Mason and Nurse Thompson - Courtesy George Andrews and Thompson family

Friends service unit - Courtesy George Andrews and Thompson family

Harsh living conditions for Chinese - Courtesy Thompson family

Historic newspaper clipping - Courtesy George Andrews

Isobel centre, International Peace Hospital - Courtesy Thompson family

Isobel with Nurse, traveling to China - Courtesy Thompson family

Isobel with Soong Ching Ling 1950 - Courtesy George Andrews and Thompson family

Isobel's certification to work in China - Courtesy Thompson family

Isobel's photos through China

Isobel's photos through China

Isobel's sketch of her home in China

Isobel's sketches of her home in China

Newspaper article - Courtesy George Andrews

From back left: Consul Niu, Sylvia YanConsul Long Yanping, Michael Gao, Isobel Thompson, George and Cecil Fowler

Isobel with cameraman Aaron Huang of NZCFS shooting her video greeting to send for 60th anniversary meeting of the China Welfare Institute in Shanghai

Nurse Isobel Thompson at 60 year celebration NZCFS - Courtesy George Andrews

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.