If there was an association for the most compassionate, altruistic and loving healthcare professionals, then Simmy would undoubtedly be its lifelong president. Simone was larger than life but not in an expansive manner. Humble, discreet and tactful, she’d hover around and make things better. You knew you could always rely on this smart and colourful nurse who collected owls and turtles. As a dedicated professional, she taught me the tricks of the trade in the corridors of St Luke’s Hospital: taking blood, which professor to shadow during ward rounds and even which clinic brewed the best espresso. I loved her most because she aced at letting me off early to go to the gym. Simone was heavily involved in setting up the local Thalassaemia Association, being a thalassaemia sufferer herself. Her illness necessitated many stints at hospital to top up her blood and she had her spleen removed to boot. From an early age, Simone knew what suffering was all about. Yet, she soldiered on. She never gave up. Armed with a glowing heart and radiant smile, she insisted on reaching out to those in crisis – both physical and psychological. I can recall countless occasions when she went beyond her...