I grew up in Kent in the 1950’s after returning from the Far East at the age of two. I was state educated in an old fashioned grammar school and had no idea what to do with my science A-levels. It dawned upon me that a doctor might always find employment, so without any sense of vocation, I made it into a London medical school in the 1970’s.
After graduation, I spent several years working in oncology and other specialities, until I discovered the world of primary care general practice. It led to Weston-super-Mare, where I settled with my wife Debbi, to raise my family and spend the next 40 years as GP. During my early years in Weston-super-Mare, I became involved in the original steering group that led to the establishment of Weston Hospicecare.
I was able to watch the hospice service evolve and extend during my years in practice. Having worked with the community staff during my practice career, I was deeply touched to be invited to join the Board of Trustees shortly after my retirement. I am still following my medical interests, by teaching a new generation of Physician Associate students, on a course that I helped to found at the nearby University of the West of England.