Transition and tributes: Diabetes Care for Children & Young People turns 10

Progression from childhood to adolescence is a key area of focus within this journal. It should not seem altogether strange, then, to spotlight the age-related journey on which the publication is itself progressing. Ten years ago marked the birth of Diabetes Care for Children & Young People, lovingly created and nurtured by Sheridan Waldron and Fiona Campbell.

Despite scepticism among some that the journal would be too niche to succeed, the vision and foresight of such devoted guardians saw it develop and prosper. Sheridan and Fiona were the perfect partnership, the former representing a strong ongoing link with the editorial department while the latter juggled a crowded working life in order to lend direction, insight and gravitas. It wasn’t perhaps a textbook operation (at least not one that’s yet been written), but their joint passion, charisma and personality made it work.

When Sheridan stepped down in 2018, the daunting task of finding an equally committed replacement with a similarly convincing mix of knowledge, enthusiasm and experience was made somewhat easier when we were introduced to May Ng at a conference. Brimming with energy and ideas, and possessed of an infectious and positive outlook (in the days when being labelled positive and infectious was still something to be prized), May took little time to accept our offer of the role of co-Editor-in-Chief alongside Fiona – and we took no time at all in putting her to work.

May has travailed tirelessly on all activities associated with the production of the journal, including writing, commissioning, reviewing and even tweeting, while Fiona maintained her role of founding figurehead – a force of nature, publicising the journal wherever she goes. Now, though, the journal is set to begin a new stage in its development. With May assuming more and more responsibility over the past few years and Fiona having a little less time to focus on the journal, the moment is now right for May to take sole control of the reins and to lead the publication not only in terms of direction and content but also in relation to its web and social media presence. While it seems appropriate that May should herald a new Spring, it is with huge gratitude that we note the energy, enthusiasm and passion shown by Fiona, alongside Sheridan, which planted the seed that has blossomed so fruitfully over the past decade. My analogy may have changed from child development into plant growth but, either way, the nursery stage is set to herald continued growth and maturation. Our heartfelt thanks to all guardians and gardeners, past and present.