Health board pay tribute to father who was the first palliative care consultant in North Wales

Andy Fowell, 66, lived in Llangoed on Anglesey. He died following a crash on the A4086 between Pen-y-pass and Nant Peris on Saturday morning.

Mr Fowell was a described as "instrumental" in establishing the Palliative Care Service for Alaw Ward in Ysbyty Gwynedd, the hospital Specialist Palliative Care Team and for leading the community team.

A spokesperson from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) said: "It was with great sadness that we learnt of the sudden passing of Dr Andy Fowell over the weekend.

"Dr Fowell was a driving force behind care decisions for the last days of life in Wales to improve the care of patients in all settings at the end of life. He also was pivotal in supporting hospice at home services to better enable patients to die at home, close to their families, which given the rurality of many patients has been so important.

"He was well-known throughout the all-Wales Palliative Care community through his chairmanship of the Gregynog Palliative Care Conference, and teaching postgraduate degree courses. He was also a pioneer in the development of the Welsh guidance to support professionals providing care at the end of life and developed training posts across North Wales.

"He was pivotal in the development of the All-Wales Strategy on Palliative Care that resulted in the development of fair access to services across Wales with a recognition that 24/7 support to patients and families is essential. He was instrumental in developing Advance Care Planning on an all-Wales basis, working to ensure the patient voice was heard."

Mr Fowell retired in 2013 but continued to be actively involved with teaching. He was also a trustee for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The spokesperson added: "Dr Fowell brought together charitable funded and NHS services; in 2019, himself along with former Beaumaris GP, Dr Steve MacVicar and Roger Thomas, a former CEO of the Countryside Council for Wales, took on and completed a mammoth cycling challenge from Asia to Anglesey raising over £20,000 towards St David’s Anglesey Hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

"Along with his professional achievements, Dr Fowell will always be remembered for his kindness, his friendship and sense of fun.

"He was a dear friend to many, mentor to many and will be missed very much."

Mr Fowell was married to Anne. They had two children, Rachel and Richard.

Mr Fowell's family said in a statement: "Andy Fowell was a retired Palliative Care Consultant at Ysbyty Gwynedd, having moved to Anglesey in 1997 to take up the post and set up the Palliative Care Service for North Wales.

“Married for 43 years to Anne, they have two children Rachel and Richard. He was a proud father to both and doted on his two grandchildren, Fraser and Tilly.

“Andy was a passionate cyclist, and only two and a half years ago with his two friends, Steve and Rodger, cycled from Istanbul to Anglesey, raising £25,000 for St David’s Hospice and The Motor Neurone Disease Association.

“His previous interests included rock climbing, paragliding, and more recently rowing, running, golf, sailing, art, music and an avid reader.

“Andy will be sorely missed, his dry sense of humour and wit amusing all.

“The family would like to thank everyone at the scene of the accident for all their help and all the emergency services.”

Officers continue to appeal for witnesses to the crash which occurred shortly after 11.30am on Saturday, September 25 which involved a cyclist and a bus.

Sergeant Raymond Williams of the Roads Policing Unit said: “I offer my profound sympathies to the family of the cyclist, who are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.”

Anybody who may have witnessed the collision who are yet to contact police, or anybody who may have been travelling along the A4086 and who may have dash cam, is urged to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit via the website or via 101, quoting reference number 21000668047.