A health campaigner who wrote a regular column for the Worcester News has died at the age of 80.

Paul Crawford, known to readers for his Patients’ View pieces, became involved in a number of health campaigns in Worcester following his own cancer diagnosis in 2007.

Mr Crawford was born in Bromsgrove in August 1941 and his first job was as a pharmacist with Worcestershire farmers. He then worked for Parkes Classic Confectionery.

He had a marketing degree and worked at Wolseley Hughes in Worcester before joining Salamander engineering in Sutton Coldfield, where he met his wife Anne. His last job before he retired was as a service area manager.

Mr Crawford married Monica in 1967 and they had a son Dominic in 1970. He married his second wife Anne in 1985 and two years later they had a daughter, Emma.

Dominic and his wife Allison have three boys - Jack, Harry and George. Emma and her husband Ashley have a daughter called Xanthe.

Mr Crawford was very keen on gardening and he and Anne had moved into a bungalow just before the first lockdown, and were loving spending time in the garden growing fruit and vegetables. He also enjoyed reading and music. 

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Paul Crawford, who died earlier this monthPaul Crawford, who died earlier this month

Diagnosed with stage three throat cancer in 2007, he took an interest in local cancer services and campaigned to keep head and neck surgery in Worcester.

He was the patient representative for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS trust in 2013 and was involved in the establishment of the oncology centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, making cancer treatment more accessible for city residents.

Back in 2013, Mr Crawford told the Worcester News he was honoured to be selected as a patient representative.

“My main priority is to encourage the board to always consider the patient’s perspective, and to offer patient views during discussions,” he said. “My commitment will be to ensure the safest, gold star medical services for Worcestershire patients.”

Mr Crawford's twice-monthly column for the Worcester News advised readers on a wide range of health issues including why it’s important to keep hydrated as you get older, the importance of eye tests and healthy eating.

He passed away at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Sunday, April 3.