Dr David Hughes died on 19 June 2025, aged 93. The following tribute has been provided by David’s family.

David was born in Cardiff and spent his childhood in Wales. He was educated at Cheltenham College and often reminisced about his happy times at school. He enjoyed many different sports, as well as poetry and the arts in addition to his academic sciences. He went on to read Medicine at Trinity College Oxford. At Oxford he enjoyed coxing and socialising, and his love of rowing continued throughout his life. He was President of the London Hospital Boat Club, a member of the Leander Club and attended Henley Royal Regatta every year where he entertained many of his friends. He continued to wear his old school blazer to the regatta even in his 80s.

David had a distinguished medical career. He was the Medical Research Council scholarship research fellow University of Oxford 1952-1954; Medical Specialist, Captain Royal Army Medical Corps BMH Hong Kong 1960-1961; Eli Lilly research fellow University of California San Francisco 1963-1964; Consultant Physician at the London Hospital Medical College; Head of Department of Clinical Investigation Wellcome Foundation 1978-1994; Director Dept. Resp. Medicine 1994-96; President of the International Society of Internal Medicine 1978-1980; RSM Section President, President of the Hunterian Society; General Medical Council Member 1993-96; the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries Member 1958, Court 1981-2004, Master 1992-1993. In addition, David published several books and numerous scientific papers. 

He maintained a cheerful and positive outlook throughout his life and mentored many medical colleagues. In his retirement he developed further his love of the theatre and was a stalwart supporter of the Kings Head Theatre at Islington. He also enjoyed attending a wide range of events at The Garrick Club, where he made many new friends. The recent photograph of him above is at his 90th birthday party held at the club.

David was a much-loved father and had a strong relationship with all his grandchildren, many of whom shared his interests. He was predeceased by his wife Gloria, whom he nursed devotedly during her final illness. He leaves behind three children, two medical and one a theatrical agent, and four grandchildren.