5 minutes with Gursharn Hutchins

Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?

My father always said that he would support us as as long as we studied. At 17, I wanted to be a fashion designer, but he didn’t think it was a ‘proper’ career at the time. So, I qualified as a lab technician, and then went on to qualify as a Medical Secretary - I always planned to have children and have a work/life balance. I started working at St Stephen’s Hospital in Fulham and then moved to a security firm in Wapping as the pay wasn’t that great in the NHS back then. In 1990, I came to Guy’s to work for Professor Mike Richards under Cancer Research UK (CR-UK). After 17 years, CR-UK made our group redundant, and King’s took over. I have been doing the same job for 30 years now, although with an employer change in between. I have seen a lot of administration changes, some for the better, and some not so much.

What is a typical day like for you, and how has this changed from when you’d commute to the office?

I wake up to a cup of tea made by my husband. During the lockdown, I used my commute time to exercise. I signed up to ‘Six Pack Revolution’ which promotes a healthy eating plan with exercise challenges. Each programme runs for 75 days, and I have now completed all three: Signature, Intensive and Extreme. At 55, I feel much fitter and healthier than I ever have. When I was furloughed, I used to go for long walks with my son on his bike - we are fortunate enough to live in a beautiful green area. When my son goes to school, I sit and work at my desk until it’s time to collect him. It’s a 15 minutes brisk walk to school, but takes much longer walking back! I usually make dinner when I get back while Dexter does his homework. My husband and I usually sit down around 9pm and watch something on Netflix before going to bed.

How have you adjusted so far to working from home?

I have been working from home for over six months now, which is longer than I took off for maternity for my three children! My eight year old really enjoys me being at home to spend time with him, and he enjoys me picking him up from school every day. I do miss the interaction with my work colleagues - it can get a little lonely sitting at your desk alone for most of the day.

How have you been staying connected with friends and family?

As with the rest of the nation, it was all about zooming. My mother is 90, so have had to shield from her, but manged to call, whats app and zoom party with the rest of our friends.

What do you think people in the School would find most surprising about you?

I can’t ride a bicycle, ice skate or roller blade. I simply don’t have balance!

What’s your typical morning coffee order?

I don’t drink coffee! I gave it up on the day I found out I was pregnant with my daughter who is now 31! However, I don’t operate without a cup of tea first thing in the morning.

What advice would you give to yourself to your 18 year old self?

Follow your dreams, but always have a back up plan. I wanted to be a fashion designer, but my father told me that it wasn’t a proper career! I still enjoy making clothes. In fact, I made my daughter’s prom and wedding dress.

QUICK-FIRE...

Your favourite season...

I don’t have a favourite, I love all seasons. Mother nature is wonderful, and brings different beauty to each season.

Your favourite book...

I don’t really get the time to read, but have a million cookbooks in the cupboard!

You'd spend an hour cooking...

Both my husband and I are foodies, and enjoy cooking. Cooking for me is therapeutic, and I love to have friends over for themed dinner parties – the last one was ‘Lebanese’.