DEATHS AND OBITUARIES
In 1997 , Stephen was appointed consultant intensivist at the James Cook hospital in Middlesborough . Two years later he was lead clinician for neurotrauma intensive care and then director of research , critical care , from 2004 . He developed an extensive research programme which eventually led him to being appointed honorary professor of neurotrauma critical care at Durham University .
In 2006 , he took over as clinical director of critical care at James Cook following the sudden death of his predecessor . It was around this time that Stephen wrote the first national guidance for organ donation after “ cardiac death ” for the Department of Health along with helping to develop practice and training , which promptly led to a significant rise in the reuse of organs to save lives .
Despite a lack of resources compared to other areas of the country , as clinical director , Stephen built up the hospital ’ s intensive care unit from 12 beds in 2006 into one of the largest in the UK with 32 critical care beds , treating 2,500 patients a year and ranked in the top 20 per cent in the country . He campaigned and won approval for £ 5 million worth of investment in a high dependency unit which opened in 2012 . And under his guidance , James Cook became the leading hospital in the country for training junior doctors and student nurses in intensive care medicine ahead of the top teaching hospitals in London .
Alongside his busy working life , Stephen enjoyed spending time with his family . He met his wife Anne whilst at university , and they married in 1993 . They had two boys Xavi and Raffy and as a hands-on father , Stephen enjoyed teaching his sons many practical skills such as cooking , building a stone wall , and fixing bicycles . He also found time for personal interests including making Lewis chessmen from semi-precious stones , tending the family allotment , scuba diving , supporting the Ugandan charity Suubi and pursuing his interests in zoology , metal detecting , ancient history , and cricket .
With their sons growing up , Stephen and his wife planned for a gradual retirement , but just as he was about to put the plan into action , he received a diagnosis of inoperable bowel cancer . He had spent decades improving the system , but the bowel screening test that would have diagnosed the cancer early enough to save his life had been cancelled during the pandemic .
( Adapted from The Times , 16 January 2023 )
Christopher J Dickinson ( 66-74 ), late colonel of the Royal Army Medical Corps , died in July aged 68 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer .
Chris was from a Lincolnshire farming family , coming to Pocklington in 1966 . As a Dolman boarder and general all-rounder , he was busily involved in many school spheres , both sciences and arts , and as a prefect , coming to the fore in social and sporting
activities . His determination on the rugby field culminated with him receiving his Colours in 1972 and spending two seasons as 1st XV hooker from 1972-74 . Throughout his life , Chris was an excellent letter-writer – a skill he always attributed to his time at school when the boys were encouraged to write home on a regular basis .
After leaving school and not knowing fully what he wanted to do , he dabbled in a couple of careers , initially in Pocklington , and as a student at Sheffield Polytechnic and Aston University . He then joined the army , and immediately found his true vocation . Chris was respected and approachable as an Army officer . Another ex-serving officer , now living in Pocklington , served under Chris and worked with him for many years in addition to being a former neighbour , and recalls Chris as a gentleman and a great family man .
Chris had a long and proud service history of 33 years in the RAMC as a Medical Support Officer ; with postings in the UK , Germany , Falklands , Belize , Kosovo , the Gulf and Northern Ireland . Back home in North Yorkshire , he was a devoted family man to his wife , Mel , and son , James .
His influence and leadership saw him progress to the rank of Colonel , and his connection continued after retirement when he became chairman of the RAMC Association , and a director of its charity . He was described by colleagues as : ‘ A true gentleman and outstanding officer .’
He had been planning to meet up with former schoolmates at their recent OP 50th leaving reunion , until deteriorating health prevented a last visit back to Pocklington .
( Melanie Dickinson , Phil Gilbank , 67-74 )
Michael Gilbertson ( 86-96 ) joined Pocklington School at the age of eight , beginning his Pocklington journey at Lyndhurst .
Captain of the senior school rugby 1st XV , Head of House , and Head Boy , Michael played a significant role during his time at Pocklington School .
After Pocklington , Michael followed his dream and took a four-year equine science degree course at Hartpury achieving a 1st class degree and being named Student of the Year . Following a year working at Minster Equine Practice in York , Michael was inspired and encouraged to apply for a place at The Royal ( Dick ) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh . Having qualified as a vet in 2006 , Michael returned to Yorkshire to start his career at a veterinary practice in Wetherby .
Following the arrival of his first child , Michael moved to a veterinary practice closer to home , so he could spend more time with his wife Claire and their first son , George , who was born in 2010 . Michael and Claire ’ s daughter Gracie was born in 2011 and their second son , Barnaby , completed their family when he arrived in 2014 .
In 2018 , Michael opened the doors to his own business , Birchwood Veterinary Practice , based in Gate Helmsley , near Stamford Bridge . As the practice ’ s principal vet , he always went the extra mile for clients , demonstrating his clinical expertise alongside being caring and compassionate .
Michael ’ s friends and family describe him as being the life and soul of the party , an incredible host and a proud , loyal , and devoted husband and father .
Michael was diagnosed with an inoperable cancer in early August 2023 and died a short time later in St Leonard ’ s Hospice in York .
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