The family of Dunmow GP Richard Nunn has paid tribute to him following his death at the age of 78.

Dr Richard Nunn spent his childhood and all of his working life in North Essex, serving the community of Great Dunmow and the surrounding areas.

Born in Chelmsford, Richard grew up in High Roding and attended the King Edward VI Grammar School, before studying medicine at the Royal Free Medical School in London.

He married Erica Windley in Aythorpe Roding Church in 1969. After several hospital roles, he returned to Great Dunmow to work as a general practitioner at 28 High Street - a job that he loved - and was "always prepared to go the extra mile" to ensure everyone had the best treatment and care.

Richard NunnRichard Nunn (Image: The Nunn family)

Practising medicine in Dunmow and the rural farming communities in the 1970s was very different from today. 

Richard enjoyed reflecting on how the work had changed over the years in his talks to local groups, and wrote a book on the same subject - It's a Doc's Life.

He then became the senior partner, and the surgery moved to a new building in Angel Lane to accommodate the growing population of Dunmow. He also enjoyed being a trainer for medical students from the Royal Free Hospital.

Outside of his work, Richard played an active role in St Andrew's Church in Barnston as church warden for many years, and in his spare time enjoyed golf, tennis and music.

Richard and Erica moved in retirement to the New Forest eight years ago.

He passed away peacefully at home on May 27, and is survived by his three children Timothy, Jonathan and Elizabeth, and his 11 grandchildren, who his family said were a "source of great pride" to him.

He will be "missed hugely" by all of his family, friends and colleagues. The family would like to thank the many people who have been in touch in the last month with stories of his amazing kindness.

A service of remembrance will be held at St Mary's Church at 2pm on Thursday, June 27. All are welcome.