Errington (“Dick”) Ellis

The loss of an elder brother with meningitis was a major reason why Errington Ellis (“Dick”) studied medicine. After early experience in London he moved to the new department of child health in Newcastle and assessed children with cerebral palsy, a regional survey of 300 such children forming his MD thesis. He became medical director of the Percy Hedley School for Spastics and was instrumental in its development into a major multidisciplinary assessment, treatment, and education centre. He also helped to develop services for young adults, and the Percy Hedley Centre of school, sheltered workshops, and residential accommodation is a lasting tribute to him. He leaves a wife, Alysoun; four children; and six grandchildren.