I felt called to nursing. Or you could even call it a vocation, though it preceded my conversion to Christianity and Catholicism. I fear, though, that I represent an increasing minority in British nursing today.

More than 40 years ago, in the process of completing a doctorate in biochemistry at the University of Sheffield, I was in despair. I had lost interest in biochemistry – it was clear I had no future there: I had little flair for it and could not bear the thought of a career working in laboratories. Contemplating my unclear and daunting future, I all but felt a tap on my shoulder and a clear voice saying: “Train as a nurse”.