A Tyrone midwife is one of the July cover stars of British Vogue. 24-year-old Rachel Miller from Coagh near Cookstown is featuring alongside other NHS frontline workers.
Having grown up on a farm, she told British Vogue that she became fascinated with pregnancy and birth during lambing season, which inspired her decision to become a midwife. She said, "I just love being with the women in this really special time in their lives."
Rachel told The Irish Times, "It's insane. It’s not really every day you see your face plastered over the news and social media."
She added, "There was a photographer there and they herded us in front of the camera, and everyone that was working on shift that day got a portrait taken.
"We got no hair and make-up like the celebrities usually get. At the time, all we knew was that Vogue was doing a feature on key workers during the pandemic and it wasn’t until a few weeks later they decided what portraits would be on the cover."
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She also explained how her family and friends were "really happy, really proud. They’re loving it."
Rachel is a midwife at Homerton Hospital in east London. She explained to British Vogue that one of the hardest things to happen to her during the pandemic was having her bike stolen:
"If you’ve ever watched Call the Midwife, you’ll know the importance of two wheels to an east London midwife, especially when we’re desperately trying to avoid public transport.
"Having to carry on working for the rest of the week, maintain good morale, and be that reassuring voice to worried parents was made slightly more difficult."
But she explained that her friend and colleague at the hospital raised over £500 online to get her a new bike and a bicycle company then donated one after hearing her story.
July's edition of British Vogue comes out on June 5. Cover stars were photographed by
Jamie Hawkesworth.
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