An NHS doctor has died from injuries sustained in a fall while cycling with colleagues in Switzerland. Dr. Anannya Kar, 51, passed away two days after the accident near Bern.
Her husband, Dr. Partha Kar, a diabetes consultant, traveled to Switzerland after being informed of the crash. He was with Dr. Kar when she died at a hospital in Bern. "She had fantastic care but they couldn't save her," he stated. "I flew out after I was told and was there when she died."
According to her husband, Dr. Kar "fell at speed." She was a consultant gynecologist at Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset and was known to cycle regularly in the UK. Her husband noted that she had a "big passion for cycling" and had recently cycled in Italy as well.
Dr. Kar and her husband, who met in medical college in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, moved to the UK around the turn of the millennium and had both worked for the NHS since then. They have two adult children, Anushka, 24, and Arjun, 20.
Dr. Partha Kar described his wife as "bubbly," "incredibly kind," and "very focused on her kids." He credited her with keeping him grounded and said she was a "wonderful mum." He also mentioned her dedication to charity work in India twice a year, particularly her efforts in early cancer detection.
Dr. Kar was also recognized for her smile and laugh, described as "incredibly boisterous." Her husband emphasized her role as a "great family person and doctor" who wanted to help people, especially nurses, whom she aimed to teach and mentor.
Colleagues and acquaintances of Dr. Kar have expressed shock and grief over her death. "The reaction has been amazing. The love and support has been exemplary. My work has been unbelievably kind. It restores your faith in humanity," Dr. Partha Kar said.
A memorial service for friends and family is scheduled for July 12 at the couple's home in Southsea, Portsmouth.