Family and friends mourn popular Portslade doctor

The funeral was due to take place this morning of a popular family doctor.

The family, friends, colleagues and patients of Dr Simon Harris were gathering at The Downs Crematorium in Bear Road, Brighton, to say their farewells to the much-loved GP.

Dr Harris died on Wednesday 31 August, leaving his wife Judy and two children Calum and Rebecca.

He worked for 21 years at Mile Oak Medical Centre in Chalky Road, Portslade, where he was one of six GPs. He had also worked as a force medical officer for Sussex Police.

Many tributes have been paid to Dr Harris by patients who praised his kindness, his expertise and his devotion to their care.

The Mile Oak surgery, which looks after about 7,000 patients, said in a statement: “Simon Harris has been a valued member of the practice for 21 years and his loss will be deeply felt.

“Our thoughts are with his wife and family.”

His family requested flowers from relatives only for his funeral today. They asked for anyone who wished to make a donation to the Dogs Trust, the Wetlands Trust or Mind Brighton and Hove to do so through undertakers H D Tribe of 40 Brunswick Road, Shoreham, BN43 5WB.

An inquest will be held into Dr Harris’s death on Thursday 10 November. It is not being treated as suspicious.