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Patients voice their thanks to doc who gave them back their voice
Grateful patients have said goodbye to a pioneering surgeon who helped them speak again.
Peter Samuel, an award-winning ear, nose and throat consultant, has retired from Sunderland Royal Hospital after 32 years.
He made a huge difference to patients by helping give them a voice back after a laryngectomy – the surgical removal of the voicebox because of cancer of the larynx.
Mr Samuel was among the first in the country to use botox injections on these patients – treating people from as far afield as Cyprus.
He introduced the use of special valves at Sunderland Royal Hospital to help patients talk again.
Patients recently gathered together for a special celebration at the hospital to mark Mr Samuel's retirement.
Bert Culling, 73, is treasurer of Sunderland Laryngectomee Club and life president of the National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs.
Bert, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the clubs, first met Mr Samuel about 24 years ago.
He said: "He's a gentleman. He's made a great deal of difference to people. He's more of a friend than anything else."
Bert, of Cleadon Village, who is married to Ethel, 73, and has two children and two grandchildren, said: "He's going to be a very hard man to replace. We wish him a great retirement."
Mr Samuel was involved in Sunderland Laryngectomee Swimming Club, which was set up by patients and ran for about 16 years.
The club gave patients the chance to swim again using special snorkel devices.
Doris Bogie, 76, from Hendon, had a laryngectomy 21 years ago.
She said: "Mr Samuel is irreplaceable. He's such a wonderful man. He really cares about people. It's very, very sad that he's going. I wish him a happy retirement, he deserves it."
Doris, a widow, with four children and five grandchildren, says Mr Samuel has made to huge difference to his patients.
She said: "You don't realise until you can't speak what you are actually missing. You're like a fish out of water."
Jennifer Scott, 69, from Hall Farm, had a laryngectomy 11 years ago.
She said: "Mr Samuel is a lovely man. He's a quiet man, not a pushy man and he listens to you."
Widow Jennifer, who has three children and three grandchildren, said: "It's a shame he is retiring, but he deserves it. He's earned it so he should enjoy it."
Mr Samuel thanked patients and colleagues for their kind wishes.
He said: "It's very humbling. I'm very grateful to everybody for their kind thoughts. Some I have known for years and they are like friends really.
"I'm grateful to all my colleagues. Anything I've done couldn't have been done by myself. I'm part of the rehabilitation team."
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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