Mathew Philip Thoppil
General practitioner Denton Turret surgery, Newcastle upon Tyne (b Alwaye,
India, 1973; q Newcastle upon Tyne 1997; FRACGP), d 20 May 2005.
Mat was a vibrant and energetic general practitioner who lived life to
the full. Having graduated with distinction from Newcastle University in
July 1997, he completed his house officer year in Sunderland and Bishop Auckland.
Following this he joined the Northumbria Vocational Training Scheme for
general practice, which he completed in 2002. Mat then moved to Australia
with his wife, Julie, where he made many close friends working as a GP in
Mount Gambier, South Australia, and Fremantle, Western Australia. He returned
to the UK in 2004 to work in Denton Turret surgery and was about to become
a partner when tragedy struck. He died doing what he loved—playing squash.
Mat was a true gentleman and his humility, enthusiasm, and zest for life
set him apart from his peers. His trademark smile and laugh were unique and
infectious. He will be fondly remembered as a great entertainer, a caring
doctor, for his culinary delights, and for his ability to make people feel
welcomed and special. He leaves behind his wife, Julie, parents, brother
and sister. He is dearly missed. [Joseph Thoppil]