Dear BHS Member,

It is with great sadness that I share the news that our friend and colleague in Exeter and long-standing member of the British Hip Society, John Charity, tragically passed away over the weekend, at the age of 54.

John first came to Exeter in 2001 as a visiting surgeon from Brazil. Although he was raised and completed his undergraduate and initial orthopaedic training in Brazil, he had roots in the South West UK - his grandfather was a vicar in the Devon village of Wiveliscombe.

John liked Exeter and the UK so much that after his visit, he applied to come back as a fellow in 2002 and he never left.

John became a cornerstone of the Orthopaedic department over the subsequent 23 years. He led the hip fracture service for many years and helped transform the quality of care for 1000s of hip fracture patients. He was recently appointed as Lead Clinician for Hip Surgery at the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre.

He was an incredibly hard worker and one of the busiest surgeons in the orthopaedic department, achieving phenomenal results on the national joint registry. His patients adored him.

John was also a prolific academic, researcher, educator, mentor and regular presence at BHS and BOA meetings. He was awarded the first-ever National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) grant received by the Hip unit at PEOC, and this and subsequent projects brought significant research funding into the department.

Always the first to raise his hand if there was a request for someone to lead a teaching or training session, John was in demand locally, nationally and internationally as an educator on hip surgery. He taught visiting fellows from around the world, not only how to operate, but how to care for patients. He was proud to educate medical students, resident doctors, senior fellows, established orthopaedic surgeons and indeed many of the current BHS Executive, myself included, all of whom he treated with equal respect and enthusiasm.

However, much more importantly than all of this, he was the most kind, caring, modest and decent human being that you might ever wish to meet. 

Our deepest condolences go to the family he so adored, and who adored him - his wife Paula and his daughters Nicole and Natalie, who are all in our hearts at this difficult time.

If you knew John or would like to share any words of condolence, we will be writing to the family and will be happy to share your comments with them. Please email me at president@britishhipsociety.com and will we gladly pass on your words. 

Very best wishes,

Matt Wilson

President - British Hip Society.