Dr Rob Sapsford's sudden death prompts outpouring of heartbreak for 'kind and genuine' Leeds doctor
Leeds Teaching Hospitals and patients have paid moving tribute to a "truly remarkable physician" tragically killed after being hit by a transit van while cycling.
Dr Rob Sapsford, 59, was cycling along Great North Road in Ledsham, a village between Castleford and Leeds, yesterday (September 16). He was hit by the van at 6.10am. The driver of the van, a 29-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He’s since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Dr Sapsford worked as a cardiologist in Leeds for 30 years and leaves behind a wife and children, as well as many devastated friends, colleagues and patients. The NHS hospital trust spoke about his love for coffee, biscuits and chocolate tiffin, which he would "always share".
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Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust issued the following statement, it said: "It is with great sadness that we share the sudden death of our colleague, Dr Rob Sapsford. Rob has been part of the Cardiology team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals for 30 years, and is known and loved by a huge number of people. Over his career he touched the lives of thousands; not just his very many patients who loved him, but also countless colleagues and generations of young doctors.
"Rob was a truly remarkable physician. His knowledge and commitment to his specialty was unequalled, becoming the go-to source of advice for even the rarest clinical conditions. Rob will be remembered for all of these things, but also for his love of coffee, biscuits and chocolate tiffin – which he would always share! Colleagues always spoke highly of Rob and he will be keenly missed by us all."
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Dr Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, added: “It is with immense sadness we share the news of Dr Robert Sapsford’s sudden and unexpected death. Rob has been such an important part of our team at Leeds for nearly 30 years, and his loss will be felt throughout his team and the wider organisation. We will remember Rob for his kindness, his calm manner and his immense dedication to his patients.
"Our thoughts are with Rob’s wife, his children, family and friends, and our colleagues who have enjoyed working with him for very many years.”
Meanwhile scores of patients paid tribute to Dr Sapsford on the Leeds Live Facebook page. Many had been under his care for years and were always put at ease by his brilliant bedside manner and expertise.
One woman said: "Absolutely devastated to hear this, he looked after my partner who sadly died a few weeks ago and also operated on my Mum before her death in March, he was a kind, caring and brilliant Surgeon. I’ll never forget his little diagrams with stick people to simplify things! Condolences to his family, May he rest in peace xxx."
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Another said: "RIP Dr Sapsford. Such a tragic loss of a true gentleman and an amazing doctor, who dedicated his life to helping others. Thinking of your family and all who love you at this heartbreaking time xxxx."
Zoe Rae commented: "So sad, an absolutely wonderful man, and a brilliant doctor, always had a smile on his face and was always a joy on the wards. The whole of cardiology is feeling this loss. Will absolutely be missed. RIP Rob xx."
The mother of a patient added: "So sad to read this, our son was on the Cardiology ward in January after being in ICU & Dr Sapsford was lovely, kind & caring to both him & us. Rest in Peace x."
Debbie Hutchinson said: "So sad to hear this. I worked along side Dr Sapsford. What a truly lovely man. Can't believe this. Had the pleasure of knowing him and making him his coffees at Seacroft Hospital. So sad."
Tabs Chaudhary added: "So sad, losing such a wonderful, caring and a very genuine consultant. He helped so many patients and one of them was my mum ... truly will be missed. Our condolences to his wife and his children."
If you would like to pay tribute to Dr Sapsford, please do so in the comments below or on our Facebook page.