Maria was both a colleague and very special friend for over 25 years. Having Maria alongside me as I juggled raising my young family with the challenges of children’s services in Bexley was a joy and a privilege I will never forget. Maria exemplified the values of the NHS and inspired me and so many others with the depth of her caring and and her passion for ensuring children with the most complex needs could be cared for at home. She was never, ever, too busy for anyone and so many of us sought her wisdom on everything from family life to work issues. I never understood how she managed to be so present for us in the workplace and yet still the irreplaceable mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister she so clearly was. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family as they come to terms with such a premataure loss. Maria never missed an opportunity to mark a milestone in a colleagues’ life with an array of silly nursing related gifts and it is that mischievous grin which will be the enduring happy memory I carry with me. Rest in peace my dear friend.