From West Wales to war zone - how Welsh roots shaped pioneering surgeon David Nott
On Monday, May 29, world-renowned surgeon David Nott will pay tribute to his West Walian roots, as he presents BBC Radio Wales’ Patrick Hannan Lecture 2017 at the Hay Festival. His lecture, in front of a sold-out audience at the BBC tent will focus on his incredible journey from Trelech to the frontline.
Published: 26 May 2017
l have been lucky to stay alive.
Titled A Doctor At War, eminent conflict surgeon Nott will discuss his medical work in disaster and combat zones the world over, including Syria, Afghanistan, Gaza and Iraq over a period of 20 years. He will share why he keeps on returning to these dangerous locations placing himself in harm’s way.
Presented by the BBC’s former Middle East Correspondent Wyre Davies, the audience will hear Nott talk about his most recent experiences on the front line of the Syrian war in Aleppo, and how his roots in west Wales shaped his life. He grew up with his grandparents in the small village of Trelech until the age of four. Looking back on his childhood he recalls how the early experiences shaped him.
He says: “The sense of community and belonging made us very secure in our thoughts and aspirations. It was purely Welsh and purely magical and totally unique. It was the making of me - it was the mould I came from and by which I have always been indelibly marked.”
Returning to Hay for a third year, the BBC Radio Wales Patrick Hannan lecture is being recorded during the annual literary and arts festival as part of the BBC’s ongoing arts partnership with the Festival. Tickets for the event are no longer available but listeners can hear the lecture at 6.30pm on Radio Wales the same evening.
This is the sixth Radio Wales Patrick Hannan lecture with previous addresses delivered by Baroness Morgan of Ely, Professor Ian Hargreaves, the late Steve Hewlett, Professor Laura McAllister and John McGrath.
Colin Paterson, Editor, Radio Wales says: “We are honoured that David has agreed to deliver this year’s BBC Radio Wales Patrick Hannan Lecture. Radio is all about stories and David’s personal journey from his childhood in Carmarthen to some of the most hostile environments on the planet is both gripping and humbling.”
The Patrick Hannan Lecture will be on Radio Wales from 6.30pm on Monday, 29 May and online at bbc.co.uk/radiowales.
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About Patrick Hannan
BBC Radio Wales presenter Patrick Hannan was also a journalist, political correspondent and author who spent over four decades examining Welsh affairs in forensic detail. As an interviewer, Hannan had a reputation for candour and challenging those who did not give him straight answers. As a writer his sharp mind and penetrating insights drew the admiration of both peers and the public figures who he placed under scrutiny.
