Tributes paid to 'amazing' Lee-on-the-Solent GP who died from a brain tumour

Dr Ian Bell, who worked at Solent View Medical Practice in Lee-on-the-Solent, died on June 8 after being diagnosed with an aggressive tumour.

The 56-year-old had been a GP in Lee-on-the-Solent for 29 years, seeing thousands of patients in that time.

Following his death, family members and work colleagues have paid tribute to an innovative and caring man, who loved his family.

Children Joe and Milly released a joint statement, where they said: ‘We could not be prouder of the bravery and stoicism with which he faced his illness, and we know that he would want to be remembered in a way that would benefit others.

‘He was very touched by all of the messages he received from his patients, and we take great comfort in knowing how many people recognised his kindness, patience and dedication to making the world a better place.

‘We cannot wait to entertain our children with tales of their wonderful 'Papa Moon'.’

Dr Bell studied at the University of Nottingham, and spent more than 30 years in the healthcare industry.

In Lee-on-the-Solent, he was known for leading the way in advancing the practice’s technology systems and finding new innovations.

One of the nurses he worked with, Louise Giddings, said he was an ‘amazing’ doctor.

She said: ‘Dr Bell was just great.

‘He was always helping people and was a great teacher to everyone around him.

‘He also did a lot to make our jobs better, like bringing in new IT software and merging us with other surgeries.

‘One day he was here, the next he had gone – everyone is absolutely devastated.’

Dr Bell’s funeral will be taking place on Thursday, June 18.

At Solent View Medical Practice in Manor Way, staff will be clapping in memory of the veteran doctor at 11am.

His family has set up a fundraising page for the Childrens Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Nottingham.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/dribell.

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