Dr Michael Wilks

It is with great sadness that we announce the death in January of one of our longest serving trustees, Dr Michael Wilks.

Michael was one of the co-founders of the Sick Doctors Trust in 1995 and for a few years was Vice-Chairman.

He bravely went on TV on more than one occasion, using his own past experience of alcohol problems to help others, and for several years was a responder on the SDT helpline, giving up his time to give advice and talk to doctors making that difficult decision to come forward for help with their own drug and alcohol problems.

His experience with BMA committee work made him a valuable member of any SDT discussions and he always gave a sensible, and level-headed view when we were considering developing new ideas for the SDT.

 Michael was also an active member of the BDDG (British Doctors & Dentists Group) Winchester Group, a peer-support group for doctors with substance abuse problems and welcomed those who were in the treatment centre nearby, to his local group when they attended as part of their re-hab programme. The group will miss him greatly

He had been sober for many, many years at the time of his death, even through the stresses of cancer and chemotherapy, during which he never displayed any self-pity – an example to all.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Sandy, his wife and all his family

Thank you Michael, we will miss you!