A retired Devon doctor who devoted his career to diabetes has won a prestigious voluntary service award.
Dr Michael Hall, pictured right with fellow recipient Fred Holland, left, and Diabetes UK CEO Chris Askew, centre, received the Order of Mercy award at a special ceremony at the Mansion House in London in July.
The League of Mercy chooses up to 30 people every year from across the UK to honour truly outstanding volunteers.
Until his retirement in 2000, Dr Hall was a GP in Shebbear, Devon and held a post at the University of Sussex, before becoming a senior lecturer at the Department of General Practice, Exeter University.
His work there was largely involved with GP training, research into diabetic retinopathy screening and practice organisation. He also published widely.
Dr Hall also served on our Board of Directors and was Chairman from 1996 to 2001. As Chairman, he toured the UK speaking at many local-group events. He is a current Vice President, and has also worked with the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and the International Diabetes Federation.
Dr Michael Hall said: “This award came quite out of the blue. It is a fantastic honour. At Diabetes UK, and over the course of my career, I campaigned hard to ensure better education services for people with diabetes all over the country and on the prevention of diabetes-related eye disease. Voluntary work is an integral and important part of British life. I hope that this award can inspire other people to give up their time and become volunteers.”
Our CEO Chris Askew said: “Michael has made a hugely significant contribution to Diabetes UK since he joined us in 1987, and this award is recognition for his distinguished work on diabetes over many years. This exceptional award goes to an exceptional man, and is testament to his work both here in the UK and abroad; he is an inspiration to all of us.”