Knighthood for pioneering neurologist

Doug Turnbull, Professor of Neurology at Newcastle University, who has devoted his 40-year career to the treatment and research of mitochondrial disease, has been awarded a Knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Doug, from Gosforth in Newcastle, started work as a junior doctor in 1976.

Since then, he has made the understanding of mitochondrial disease his life’s work - caring for over 1000 patients and their families, dealing with the effects of a genetic disorder that at its most severe causes blindness, heart failure and ultimately death.

Doug’s work was also recognised in 2012 when he and his colleagues were awarded the coveted Wellcome Trust Centre status, one of only nine in the UK.

The treatments he and his colleagues at Newcastle University provide have improved the quality of life for hundreds of patients, preventing these disabling genetic diseases is crucially important for families.

Professor Chris Brink, vice-chancellor of Newcastle University, said: