Former surgeon and chair of St Barnabas Hospices to be remembered
A former surgeon who served as chair of St Barnabas Hospices is to be remembered at his memorial service.
Born in 1946, Mike Rymer was a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and served as a trustee of St Barnabas Hospices for nine years, and then four as chair.
He continued his leadership through the merger with Martlets to form Southern Hospice Group, which announced Mr Rymer’s death last month, saying he had passed away after a short illness.
A statement read: “Mike dedicated over a decade of service to our hospices, initially serving nine years as trustee and four as chair at St Barnabas Hospices before continuing his leadership through the merger. His guidance and friendship were invaluable to many across the organisation.
“Mike’s most enduring legacy is his pivotal leadership in the merger of St Barnabas Hospices and Martlets, which led to the creation of Southern Hospice Group. His unwavering support for hospice care and the wider hospice movement was inspirational to the entire sector.”
Southern Hospice Group chief executive Stuart Palma said Mr Rymer had provided ‘exceptional’ support and guidance for many years.
He added: “His profound commitment and leadership, particularly during the merger, were instrumental to our success. His kindness, compassion and caring approach will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
“Our thoughts are with Mike’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
During the pandemic, Mr Rymer was one of the many former NHS workers who came out of retirement to help in the battle against coronavirus.
He helped the Western Sussex Hospitals NHS trust – now part of University Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – with the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
Reflecting on the effort a year into the pandemic, Mr Rymer said: “We were on hand to provide medical cover and support the vaccination team, seven days a week. The vaccination hub was superbly run, and it was fantastic to be part of that.
“We answered any questions people had relating to the vaccine. It was great to support our former colleagues and contribute to the fight against Covid.”
A number of tributes have been paid to Mr Rymer on online memorial platform MuchLoved, at michaelrymer.muchloved.com, where he was remembered as ‘a very special and caring person’, ‘an impeccable gentleman’ and ‘the loveliest man’.
One read: “You will be remembered and missed for your generous spirit, your kindness and wise words.”
Former colleagues also paid tribute. One post read: “I have many fond memories of working for you Mr Rymer. It was an absolute pleasure. I was so saddened to hear of your passing. A true gentleman, an excellent surgeon and one of the kindest people I have met.”
Mr Rymer’s memorial service is to be held at St Mary's Church, Storrington, at 2pm on Friday, November 14.
More than £1,100 has been raised for St Barnabas House in his memory. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online, via MuchLoved.