Deborah was my trainer and then my line manager for many years. She taught me all I know about Health Protection. I have worked with her since 2003, when I did my 4-month stint as a registrar at the HPA. It is hard to think of Health Protection in London without her being there. She was unflappable and led the most complex incidents with enormous competence and élan. She would often tell the most riveting and usually amusing stories related to the incidents she had led on, wearing her success lightly. She was hugely supportive as a trainer and manager. I was the recipient of so many kindnesses from her. If you had a personal problem, she was like a rock, and all information was safe with her. If you were in a flap, she would come over to your desk and quietly say a kind word that would make you feel calm and comfortable instantly. When I had a spinal injury and was laid up at home for nearly 2 months, she called me every week to check how I was doing. She always spoke with care and compassion way beyond her line management responsibilities. She knitted skilfully and made the cutest baby clothes. All those in the team who had babies on her watch have been the recipients of Deborah’s fabulous, knitted babywear lines. She worked so hard and set the bar very high with her strong work ethic, voluminous knowledge of health protection, and formidable memory. I often sought Deborah’s advice when stuck at a particular aspect of a complex incident or strategic issue. She would find the time to give wise counsel, and unfailingly suggest a pragmatic way forward. It is remarkable how she was able to fulfil her responsibilities at home and in her professional life so well. She shared the sweetest, funniest anecdotes about her lovely family, and through her we have known them a little bit too. Deborah’s untimely demise is an immense loss for me at both professional and personal levels. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and other loved ones.