FROM THE EDITOR: A rollercoaster journey through exams and onto our wards

These young experts are starting their career at the most challenging of times, in circumstances nobody could have ever predicted or wanted.

Yet today they graduate – virtually – in a move that will be celebrated as much by our city as a whole as it will be them personally and their families.

We have all been on quite a rollercoaster in recent weeks but staying at home pales into insignificance when compared to what they have crammed in with extra learning at quick speed – and always to the very highest standards.

This city is incredibly blessed to have wonderful universities at its heart.

We lead the way in research and we set the standard for students who really want to make a difference in the world.

When they started their studies as teenagers, none of the graduates on today’s front and back pages could have imagined that by the time they qualified, the need would be so severe right here in Sheffield.

Every single one of these 200 medics has worked extra hard to graduate today.

They have also pledged to immediately join our hospital teams in South Yorkshire – using the time they were expecting to spend sitting their final exams and then enjoying a long summer off.

They are going straight onto the wards rather than having a well-earned break. It takes a special kind of person to dedicate themselves to the care of others.

It must have taken some incredible feats of organisation to get them through their studies early, officially certified, graduated and into the right roles to suit their skills. What a wonderful team effort and what brilliant benefits so many of us will see from that.

I am sure there will be plenty of proud tears shed at this morning’s graduation ceremony and we could excuse ourselves for joining them. It makes your heart fill with joy that our city is helping such people flourish.

They are quite simply incredible.

Fast tracked to the front line … we thank them from the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of all the Sheffielders they will help in the coming weeks.

We also wish them the very best in their careers and look forward to hearing about their inevitable successes through happier times.