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UK lantern relay marks RCN's centenary

RCN staff are carrying a replica Florence Nightingale lantern 1,500 miles around the UK to fulfil the college's motto Tradimus Lampada – We Carry the Torch

RCN staff are carrying a replica Florence Nightingale lantern on a 1,500 mile walk around the UK to celebrate the college's centenary year.

RCN staff at the start of the torch relay in Exeter.  Picture credit: Tim Pestridge.

Staff set off from the RCN south west regional office in Exeter on April 4.

They are carrying a lantern to symbolise how they are fulfilling the college’s motto Tradimus Lampada – We Carry the Torch.

The lantern will be passed to other staff as it makes its way to Wales, before returning to England, heading to Scotland and then making a ferry trip to Belfast, where the procession will end.

The journey to 16 RCN offices – including Ty Maeth in Cardiff, Nottingham and Glasgow – will take six months.

The relay will raise money for the RCN Foundation that supports nurses in the UK and overseas.

The RCN was founded in 1916 by Dame Sarah Swift and now represents more than 430,000 nursing staff.

RCN president Cecilia Anim said: ‘This event will celebrate the history of nursing while also helping to raise money to support our members now and in the future.

‘The RCN has achieved so much to be proud of in the last century, and this shows that our staff are dedicated to supporting and celebrating nursing.’

RCN organisational development adviser Matthew Batten added: ‘After months of planning, I’m so proud of all the staff who are heading out on this unique adventure, combining health and fitness, fundraising and celebrating our wonderful organisation.’