On the 1st of May 2020 I take up the appointment of Colonel Commandant QARANC. I feel both humbled and privileged. It is however a strange time, a time when we were planning the celebration of 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale at Westminster Abbey on the 12th of May and the WHO Year of the Nurse and Midwife. Clearly, these celebrations will have to wait as nurses of the Corps and colleagues across the world tackle the challenge at hand.

I would like to pay tribute to Colonel Jane Davis from whom I take over. Jane thank you for all you have done and I know will continue to do for the Corps. We did not get a chance to dine you out in March but we will when the time is right.

While I cannot be with you physically I can do something to raise awareness and hopefully some funds for the Corps in order to support members past and present. The Just Giving page is already set up and some of you have already given generously. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevin-davies39  Colonel on a Cross Trainer 10 in 10 is my challenge to do at least 10K a day for 10 days. While I am not Capt/Col Tom I do have a bus pass! I will also add £50 on the finish day of 10th May for the first person who has guessed my age in years and days. I will give clues along the way. The bus pass is the first clue, more to follow.

Please all stay safe and keep up the awesome job of delivering for our patients and communities and remember the RHQ and your Colonels Commandant are here to support you. I very much look forward to meeting you all when the time is right.