John Hancock, a beloved village doctor in Warwickshire known for his kindness and adventurous spirit, has died at the age of 83. He was a runner, climber, cyclist, socialist, naturalist, and a much-loved general practitioner.
The Latok 2 Expedition
His most challenging adventure came in 1987 when he served as expedition doctor on a UK attempt to climb Latok 2 in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. The expedition photos show John relishing every moment. However, the expedition overran, and John was obliged to return to his practice, which led him to trek solo for several days back to civilisation. En route, he loved making contact with local people and was glad to hold impromptu clinics in the villages he passed through.
Early Life and Education
Born in Bromley, John was the son of Letitia (nee Thomas), a nurse and midwife, and Alfred Hancock, a public health inspector. At 11, he won a scholarship to Dulwich College, where he excelled at boxing. Crucially, he also attended his biology teacher’s wildflower field studies and developed a love of native orchids.
Scouting and Climbing
As a keen scout, he enjoyed climbing Harrison’s Rocks in East Sussex, inspiring him to tackle much more challenging locations. In the summer of 1961, John was incommunicado in the French Alps when his A-level results arrived. His father stepped in and managed to confirm his place to study medicine at Leeds University.
Medical Career and Family
John loved the Yorkshire dales and devoted his weekends to climbing and cross-country running. At university, he met Sharon Morris, also a medical student; they graduated and married in 1967. After various hospital jobs, they settled in Harbury, Warwickshire, where John had a long career as a village doctor. At that time, GPs were responsible for their patients 24 hours a day. John viewed it as a privilege to be welcomed into people’s homes, and he was renowned for his great kindness.
Leadership in Scouting
His greatest gift to village life was his leadership of the Harbury Venture Scout troop, giving Harbury’s teenagers the same taste of adventure he had gained as a boy. John retired in 2004. To him, every day was an opportunity to learn more about the world, often through travelling and membership of the local U3A. No weekday was complete without the Guardian.
He is survived by Sharon, their children Stephen and Jane, his grandchildren Tom, Megan, Millie, Harry, Bryony, and Edith, and great-grandchildren Sadie, Delilah, and Sylvie.
