Remembering John

A huge privilege to be at the memorial for Professor John Goldman at the Royal College of Physicians. John touched so many lives and its thanks to his understanding of chronic myeloid leukaemia that Druker and others were able to develop the drug immatinib. Fifteen years ago CML was only treatable with a transplant for those where a match could be found and if they were fit enough, now normal life expectancy is restored with a daily drug.

Presentations were made throughout the day by some of the world's leading researchers all sharing wonderfully personal memories of friendship beyond the research. Without exception John was noted for his kindness in mentoring and advising and encouraging the next generation of researchers , even making sure that they were principle authors on research that John could have made primary claim.

Most touching of all were family memories and music ,stories and Shakespeare all beautifully performed. Most of all I loved the ever present rabbit with glasses on his head , John always wore his glasses on his forehead and loved rabbits. I knew we shared a love of old Saab's and Saki's short stories , I didn't know we shared a love of rodents too!