Janet Coakham
Janet Coakham, who died on 16 March 2020, was as a trustee of the Friends for 15 years (1988 to 2004) and Vice-Chairman for 12½ years. She was pleased to be able to do something for the hospital staff and patients as she was so grateful for the laser treatment which saved her vision. She was Vice-Chairman of the Friends from July 1991 until her resignation over 12 years later.
She was also the first editorial assistant of the British Journal of Neurosurgery which started at Frenchay in 1987. She single-handedly saved it when the editor unexpectedly resigned and she ran it herself for two years until a new editor was appointed in 1992. It is now a well-established international journal.
Janet had a quiet, unassuming manner and natural charm. She was an utterly reliable practical help, especially when it came to organizing fund-raising social events. She was kind, fun to be with and an elegant and reassuring presence on all occasions. Friends’ Chairman Richard Markham says “She is and will be sadly missed by a very great number of people in Bristol”.
