It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Tina Donnelly has died. Tina was a much respected and valued Ambassador for Care after Combat.
Knowing Tina was a privilege. Her wealth of character and sense of fun, was ever complimented by her innate ability to relate to others with insight, understanding, warmth and kindness. Tina was a leader to be admired, she was inspiring, and a beacon of strength for those whose lives had taken a difficult turn.
Tina had a remarkable career, commissioned into the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps (V) in 1991 as a Captain she retired in 2014 as a Colonel and Commanding Officer of 203 (W) Field Hospital. Over her career, she qualified and instructed in NBC/CBRN and BATLS, held key leadership roles, and deployed on operations to Kosovo (Op Agricola), Iraq (Op Telic 1), and Afghanistan (Op Herrick 8 and 19).
In 2024, Tina became a voluntary Ambassador for Care after Combat in Wales, driven by a deep commitment to supporting veterans. Given her unwavering energy and passion she was also involved in a charity supporting individuals with drug and alcohol addiction, a cause that often intersects with the needs of ex-service personnel.
Alongside her military service, Tina held senior NHS management roles across the UK, worked as a senior university lecturer, and served in the Welsh Government civil service. She spent 14 years as Director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales and took on Non-Executive Director roles with HEIW and Hafod Housing/Care.
Tina’s contributions were rightly recognised with several honours, including a CBE, Fellowships from the RCN and University of South Wales, and multiple lifetime achievement awards. She was appointed High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan in 2019/20 and served as Deputy Lieutenant from 2015.
Tina will be greatly missed by all who knew her.