The tragic death of a beloved Shefford GP at the weekend has prompted an outpouring of generosity from the community, with more than £6,650 raised in his memory within two days.
Dr Shiv Sekaran, a GP at Dr Cakebread and Partners’ Shefford Health Centre, died on Saturday aged just 48 – following the very rapid onset of sepsis.
Hundreds of tributes have already been paid online to Dr Sekaran, painting a picture of an outstanding doctor, a great family man and a true gentleman.
Dr Sekaran’s wife Melissa and daughters Lizzie and Emily released a statement through the centre’s Facebook page on Saturday morning, saying he had passed away with his family around him.
They said: “We’ve read every single message over the last few days and would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes, thoughts and prayers.
“It’s very comforting to know how highly thought of and respected Shiv was by so many people.”
Dr Sekaran’s family set up a crowdfunding page the same day to raise money for the UK Sepsis Trust, originally aiming to raise £450 – but more than £6,650 has already been donated from some 340 supporters.
Melissa, Lizzie and Emily posted on Sunday: “We would like to thank everybody so much for their generosity and kindness. We never expected to raise anywhere near this amount and are overwhelmed with the love shown for Shiv.
“It’s a measure of the incredible man he was and how he touched so many people. There’s a very big Shiv-shaped hole in our lives now, but seeing the love for him and people’s memories makes this a little easier to cope with, so thank you.”
Dr Sekaran also provided GP shifts out of hours for MDOC in Biggleswade – and tributes have come from across Bedfordshire.
One patient wrote: “Absolutely devastated and my heart breaks for his dear family. I only saw him three weeks ago and he was lovely as always.
“He always had a lovely bedside manner and he saved my mum’s life with his quick diagnosis. I’m sure the whole of Mid Beds will be in shock and mourning.”
Another posted: “He was an amazing doctor and always took the time to listen. I’ll never forget how he helped me through very hard times and rung me after hours to check up on me.
“Nothing was ever too much for him. They say the good ones are always taken too soon. This is certainly true here.”
Lynette Brennan, practice manager of Dr Cakebread and Partners, said: “I’m sure that you will all join us from the practice in sending our deepest condolences to Shiv’s family. There are no words to express the deep sadness we all feel.
“Shiv will be greatly missed by his ‘work’ family and all of the patients that he has helped and supported during his time in Shefford and elsewhere. Please respect Shiv’s family’s privacy at this very difficult time.”
A book of condolences for Dr Sekaran has been made available today at Shefford Health Centre in Robert Lucas Drive.
Funeral arrangements are being made for family, colleagues and invited friends, with a memorial service at a later date for the wider community.
To find out more or make a donation to the UK Sepsis Trust in memory of Dr Sekaran, see justgiving.com/DrShivSekaran.
Collection boxes will also be available from Wednesday at The Loft in Shefford, The White Hart in Campton and Shefford Health Centre.
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