RIP Malcolm

A very dear friend of mine has died.

Malcolm McArthur went to Botswana as a surgeon back in the early 70s. He was a missionary doctor with the United Free Church of Scotland (not the Wee Frees, but a split from the main Presbyterian church).

In 1973, I went for three months as a medical student on my elective. Malcolm was an excellent and supportive teacher. I learned more and more during that time. It was also my first time travelling abroad alone (and I'd only been on a school cruise before that).

Malcolm founded The Flying Mission to take health staff and medical supplies to the far flung corners of Botswana.

His wife Gudrun was the most wonderful hostess.They were a devoted couple and adopted a large sibship when their mother died.

I stayed with another amazing family and the first thing I was taught was how to start the hospital generator.........you need different skills when you are in a developing world.

When the church handed the hospital in Molepolole to the Government, Malcolm stayed on in Botswana as the only surgeon. He was moved to Gaborone, the capital, and President Seretse Khama no longer needed to go abroad for surgery!

Malcolm and Gudrun have been retired for some time now. Malcolm's death was expected and his staunch Christian faith saw him through to the end. 

He was a very important person in my life and I look back on our friendship with great joy.

Malcolm painted. I have four prints of his hanging in my dining room, so I have photographed a sunset image for today's blip.

In other news, Margret went to Hexham for fresh lateral flow tests today. I tested negative again. I'm a bit croaky, but its not bad.

Eric was discharged today and is happily at home.