Leading children's cancer professor to retire
A consultant who has dedicated his entire career to helping children and young people with cancer is to retire.
Over the past 27 years Professor David Walker has been at the forefront of research into the disease, as well as supporting hundreds of patients and their families.
Pam White, whose son Sam was treated by Professor Walker for a brain tumour before his death in September 2013, praised David's clinical care and the way he supported Sam and the entire family through a very dark time, she said:
"We first met David the day after Sam was admitted to intensive care. Our heads were in a whirlwind of shock, fear and disbelief at what was unfolding before us and the terrible news that we could very possibly lose our son in an instant. David was calm and factual; he gave us confidence whilst being open and honest about the situation.
"Sam became well enough to drive his own treatment and be a major voice in discussions about his care. David encouraged him to go out and enjoy life and put cancer on the back seat. He did, and actually enjoyed life to the full.
"When the time came that Sam could no longer overcome the ravages of the cancer treatments, again David was there to support us all and make a most difficult and harrowing time bearable for the three of us. Sam's confidence in him came through.
"We feel very privileged to have met David and have him as part of our lives."
Professor Walker has pioneered research within children's services within NUH. He said:
"My role in Children's Cancer has been particularly rewarding. We have developed the service from one led by a single consultant to an integrated centre leading the service across the region, as well as being an international research centre for childhood brain tumours. "
Martin Hewitt, oncology consultant, described Professor Walker as a committed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable consultant and praised the international impact his work has had:
"Professor Walker has an international reputation for treatments of children with brain and spinal tumours and worked closely with clinical colleagues in many disciplines in hospitals throughout the world. He also worked with politicians to address some of the legislation that failed to understand the different needs of children and young people."
Professor Walker qualified in Medicine from the University of Nottingham in 1977 and was inspired to follow a career in Children's Medicine after his experiences at university. He said: "As I progressed through my basic training in medicine and haematology, I met remarkable leaders and I encountered children's care. I was so excited by the opportunity to help children and their families with serious health problems."
Professor Walker also regularly contributes to local charity causes. All proceeds from his retirement event will be going towards Nottingham Hospitals Charity's Big Appeal.
Barbara Cathcart, Nottingham Hospitals Charity's Chief Executive, said: "Professor Walker has a long history of passionately supporting children with life-threatening illnesses and has been a dedicated supporter of research-related charities throughout his tenure at Nottingham Children's Hospital.
"We are most grateful that, on the occasion of his retirement, he is choosing to support Nottingham Hospital Charity's Big Appeal. We wish David all the very best for the future."
Professor Walker will be enjoying his retirement by continuing his research work into brain tumours, travelling and continuing his goal of climbing all the mountains over 3000 ft. in Scotland. He is currently 201 down with 83 to go!