A father-of-four from Sheen, who has served the Royal Marsden Hospital for nearly 40 years, has passed away suddenly.

Professor Martin Gore CBE died on January 10 from a Yellow Fever vaccination.

His son, Will Gore, has paid tribute to his late father, commenting: "Losing Dad has left a huge gap in our close-knit family and at the Royal Marsden, where he spent the majority of his professional life.

"My mother, my two brothers and my sister, and the rest of our family have been comforted by the many tributes we have read from patients, their families and other doctors that show what a brilliant and inspiring oncologist he was.

"Despite the nature of his work, Dad didn’t take life too seriously: he had a wicked sense of humour which he was never afraid to deploy and was always first up on the dance floor.

"We have many happy memories to remember him by. There was no one like him."

Professor Gore qualified in medicine in 1974 and first worked at The Royal Marsden in 1978 as a senior house officer,

He was appointed medical director in 2006 before stepping down in 2016.

In a statement the hospital described his work as a clinician as unparalleled. "He has been a friend, colleague and mentor to so many people and his loss will be immense.

"His contribution as medical director for 10 years, a trustee of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and as a clinician is unparalleled."

In 2015 he was awarded The Royal Marsden’s Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2016, Professor Gore was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to oncology.

He said at the time that it was a pleasure to have worked for the hospital for such a long time.

"I have been extremely fortunate to have worked at The Royal Marsden for more than 30 years where one is surrounded by such dedicated and talented colleagues from all healthcare professions and disciplines," he said in 2016.

"I want to thank them for their support, this honour really belongs to them.

"Above all I want to remember and pay tribute to my patients and their families who through their courage and determination have inspired me, particularly during some dark days when improvements in treatment for some appeared unobtainable.

"The changes we have witnessed in cancer care over my professional life are truly remarkable but more importantly, I believe we are on the cusp of a new era of ever more effective therapies."

Professor Gore grew up in Sheen and also lived in Richmond. He loved walking his Golden Retriever, Barney, in Old Deer Park.

An avid football fan, Professor Gore was a Fulham FC season ticket holder and enjoyed the many restaurants and takeaways in Richmond and Sheen, where he was known by name at places such as Pala Kebab and Quality Fish and Chip Shop.

He was married to Pauline Gore and leaves behind four children, Tom, Will, Alex and Lucy as well as seven grandchildren.

If you are a patient of Professor Gore’s and have any clinical queries you can call the hospital's hotline on 020 8915 6899.