HE was lovely, generous and helped so many lives in Swindon.

Those are the words of the son of a former GP who served the people of Swindon for 35 years. 

Dr Ravindra Nath who died earlier this month, moved to Swindon in 1967 and practised at Empire House Surgery, Moredon Medical centre and Queen’s Park surgeries for more than three decades.

During that time he acted as one of the doctors for Swindon Town when they were in the Premier League in the 1990s.

His son Rajeev Saxena said: “He came to England in 1964 after graduating from medical college at Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.

“Like many immigrants of the time, he arrived with just £2 in his pocket, enough to get him from the airport to where he was staying.

“After initially settling in Yorkshire, he chose Swindon as a home for his family. He loved both the town and his practice there.

“He was a well-regarded pillar over this period, touching many people’s lives. He was very much part of the Swindon’s community.

“He was a lovely and generous man. He helped so many lives. I think what is nice about him is that he is very much part of Swindon."

Dr Nath worked with Swindon Town in 1993 and 1994. And he was chairman of the Asian society in Swindon and chairman and treasurer of the Hindu temple which opened in 2016 on Derby Close.

The 78-year-old man was diagnosed with a single cell lung cancer last September.

The dad-of-two and grandfather-of-six, died at home on August 4 surrounded by his family.

Rajeev said: “When he had cancer, he did not think he could make it. He had the chemo at GWH and that kept him going. He died at home in peace and with his family around him.”

Two months before he died, he was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace and was honoured by the Queen.

“His life culminated at the peak of being invited to Buckingham palace. He was proud to represent Swindon and his profession at the garden party where he met with the Queen and other members of the royal family,” said Rajeev.

“It was only thanks to the unit at GWH in Swindon that his life was prolonged into this year and his quality life and dignity maintained.”

His funeral will be held on Friday 23 August at 11.15am at Kingsdown Crematorium, Kingsdown Road.