From Latvia to the UK, Aldona Grupas Chronicles Her Journey as a Nurse, Author, and Cultural Preserver
Time never waits, and neither does Aldona Grupas. Born in Riga, Latvia, into a Lithuanian family, Aldona’s journey from a nurse in Lithuania to a celebrated author in the United Kingdom is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is one of resilience, cultural preservation, and a relentless pursuit of her passions. Today, as an acclaimed author with seven published books, Aldona Grupas is a beacon of hope and strength for many, especially within the Lithuanian community.
A Journey Across Borders
Aldona’s life took a significant turn in 2005 when she and her husband moved to Wolverhampton, UK. With a nursing degree from Klaipėda College of Nursing and a law degree from Riga Law University, Aldona had a unique blend of skills that she soon put to use in her new home. It wasn’t long before she founded a helpline for the Lithuanian community in Wolverhampton, managing it for an entire decade. This initiative was the first of many contributions she would make to the Lithuanian diaspora in the UK.
Her deep connection to her roots and her passion for storytelling led her to write her first book, “The Lithuanian Community in the Midlands after World War II.” Published with the support of the UK Heritage Foundation, this work delves into the lives of Lithuanians who migrated to the West Midlands after World War II. It captures their struggles, triumphs, and the preservation of their cultural identity in a foreign land.
Nursing: More Than Just a Profession
Aldona’s work as a nurse in the UK is equally significant. Her books “Nurse, Give Me a Pill for Death…” and “It’s Hard to Be an Angel” are poignant narratives that offer readers a glimpse into the life of a nurse far from home. These autobiographical accounts reflect her professional journey, the challenges she faced in a new country, and the profound impact that nursing has had on her life. For Aldona, nursing is more than just a job—it’s a calling, a way of life that has intertwined with her personal identity.
Literary Achievements and Cultural Preservation
Aldona’s contributions extend beyond nursing and community work. In 2020, she established the Albion Art Club and embarked on another literary project, this time focusing on Lithuanian authors in the UK. The result was “A History of Lithuanian Writers in the United Kingdom,” a book that highlights the lives and works of Lithuanian writers, poets, and translators living in the UK. Once again, the UK Heritage Foundation supported her, underscoring the importance of her work in preserving Lithuanian culture abroad.
Her literary contributions have not gone unnoticed. Aldona’s books have won numerous accolades, including the Hertfordshire Press Award for Best Biography in 2022. Her screenplay, “The Way of the Heart,” won the Pageont Film Festival Award in 2024, further solidifying her place in the literary world.
A Legacy of Resilience
Aldona’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to her roots. Her books, such as “West Midlands HO!” and “Nurse Stories,” serve as a testament to her dedication to both her Lithuanian heritage and the nursing profession. Through her writing, she has not only preserved the stories of her people but also provided a voice to the unsung heroes of healthcare.
As she continues to write, Aldona Grupas remains a guiding light for many, inspiring others to embrace their heritage, pursue their passions, and, most importantly, to never give up. Her journey, much like her writing, has no end—it is an ongoing story of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Follow Aldona Grupas on Instagram: @aldonagrupas.