TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-standing GP from Whitefield who collapsed and died during a walk in the Lake District.

Dr John Phillips, of Dr Phillips and partners at Avondale Health Centre in Bolton, was with his family on May 3 when he fell ill.

The 50-year-old had been at the practice for 22 years after starting fresh from his medical training aged 28.

He was married to Pam and had four children, Christian, Nicholas, Christine and Juliet. He also leaves his sister, Debbie.

His colleagues, many of whom have worked with him for many years, some since his first day, at Avondale Health Centre, have been leading the tributes to him.

Lorraine Lowe, a nurse practitioner and Dr Phillips’ partner for the last two years, said: “He was very dedicated to his work and his patients and never had a day off sick.

“Everybody loved him, he was a kind and wonderful man.John was a great colleague and a good friend and will be massively missed.”

Dr Bob Walker had known Dr Phillips for 20 years.

He said: “John was a very nice human being and an excellent doctor, he would do anything for his patients.

“He was well known and well liked and it is a huge loss to the community.

“My heart goes out to his wife and children. I’m going to miss him.”

Tim Evans, chief executive of NHS Bolton, added: “I will mourn the loss of John’s leadership potential to NHS Bolton and the chance to work with him in future.

“His patients and colleagues will mourn the decades of service and the further years of medical practice lost to us all.”

His funeral will take place on Monday at 11am, at St Luke’s Church, Swinton Park Road, Salford, followed by a private burial. The family have requested no flowers, with donations to Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team.