A TRIBUTE has been paid to a Prees GP from the man he inspired to build a new medical centre.

Dr Guy Carter died on Tuesday, January 4 at home aged 69, after serving the people of Prees as their GP for almost three decades after arriving in 1984.

He was held up as an 'old-school' doctor who 'commanded great respect' by former Grocontinental owner Ray Grocott, who built and donated the centre after being inspired by Dr Carter's dedication to the people of Prees.

"Humble, strong and empathetic, Dr Carter got to know everyone in the village well and commanded great respect," said Ray.

"He got his head around the generations of families and, most importantly, he took the time to listen to people. Dr Carter was always there when you needed him.

"He was accessible and understanding and was always at the end of the phone, even when it was out of his practice hours – we all felt safe under his care.

"I believe he saved my life too. His quick reaction to symptoms I presented with 20 years ago prevented the escalation of a cancer diagnosis. I know that I am not the only person who benefitted in this way from his attention and swift actions."

Ray added that Dr Carter’s dedication and commitment motivated a group to set up a registered charity in 1999, which became known as Dr Carter’s Charity Fund, to raise money to support the surgery with much-needed new equipment.

This was bolstered by donations and monies left in wills, and when he indicated he wished to retire, it led to Ray being motivated to ensure medical care for the village.

"Not only were we losing our much-loved GP, we faced losing the practice building too," he said.

"Inspired by Dr Carter’s dedication and commitment and the fear that we would all be required to travel to Wem or Whitchurch to see a GP, I started looking for a potential site for a new surgery and into the possibility of funding the construction myself.

"My motivation and inspiration was simply to continue the great work of Dr Carter.

"Fortunately, after jumping through many hoops, I was able to make the new surgery happen and it was a fitting tribute that it was Dr Carter who cut the ribbon to officially open the new surgery in April 2015.

"Aged only 69, he has left us far too soon.

"After a life of immense service and dedication, he deserved a long and happy retirement. He will be missed by the many friends he made in Prees."