n the heart of 19th-century London, a remarkable woman emerged from adversity to reshape the landscape of nursing education. Born in 1843, Rebecca Strong faced the challenges of widowhood and motherhood by the tender age of 20. Her indomitable spirit and commitment to service led her to the hallowed halls of nursing, where she became a protege of none other than Florence Nightingale. Collaborating with the esteemed Scottish surgeon Sir William Macewen, Rebecca Strong became a catalyst for change in the field of healthcare. Together, they crafted a groundbreaking training scheme for nurses, incorporating visionary concepts that have withstood the test of time. Their legacy endures in the very fabric of nursing education, influencing generations of caregivers. Retiring in 1907 after a lifetime dedicated to healing, Rebecca Strong embarked on a global journey that transcended borders and cultures. Her adventures took her to the far reaches of the world, from meetings with the likes of Mussolini to forming lasting bonds with European royalty, including an enduring friendship with an Italian princess. Rebecca Strong's extraordinary journey came to a close in 1944, at the remarkable age of 100. Her secret to longevity was as simple as it was profound: 'hard work and simple living.' This biography unveils the untold story of a woman whose resilience, innovation, and global influence forever altered the trajectory of nursing and healthcare. Rebecca Strong, a beacon of compassion and change, stands as a testament to the transformative power of one individual's dedication to healing and humanity. AUTHOR: Judith Vallely is a writer and newspaper journalist who has a passion for uncovering stories about people and places. She lives and works in Glasgow and has an MA in English and Scottish Literature from Edinburgh University, and a postgraduate diploma in newspaper journalism from Napier University, Edinburgh. She can be found tweeting at @JudithVallely 16 b/w illustrations