Professor David Nott, one of the most experienced and respected trauma surgeons in the world, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in surgery and charitable work.
A full-time NHS consultant at St. Mary’s Hospital Paddington, specialising in general surgery, vascular surgery, and trauma, David Nott has volunteered to perform surgery and train surgeons in disaster and war zones, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Libya, Sierra Leone, Gaza, and Ukraine, over the last 25 years.
His autobiography, War Doctor, became The Sunday Times bestseller in 2019 and describes many of his missions to hostile environments, in particular, Aleppo in 2013 and 2014.
Nominated by former Lord Mayor of London, Sir David Wootton, and City of London Corporation elected Member, Catherine McGuinness, David Nott attended his ceremony at Guildhall today with family members.
Speaking after his ceremony, David Nott said:
“It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City of London. I have lived in London for all my consultant surgical life, which now spans over 30 years. It is a great city and it makes me proud to call myself a Londoner.”
Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:
“Courageous, committed, and hugely talented, David Nott is a very worthy recipient of the City’s award, and I send him my warmest congratulations on receiving the Freedom today.
“To have helped so many people over the years, to have saved so many lives, and to risk one’s own life to do that is beyond what most of us can imagine.”
Sir David Wootton said:
“David Nott is a truly remarkable man, not only for his consummate skill as a surgeon, but also for his bravery for travelling to war and disaster zones to work in such hugely challenging and dangerous conditions, and his enthusiasm in wanting to pass on his valuable skills to others. He deserves our admiration and utmost respect, and it is my privilege to support his Freedom award.”
One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
Recent prominent recipients include Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold- and Silver-medal winning athlete and sport ambassador, Lady Mary Peters; former Attorney General of England and Wales, Dominic Grieve; Chief Medical Officer for England**, Professor Sir Chris Whitty**; and actor and musician, Giles Terera
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