'Trailblazing' surgeon given posthumous award

3 hours ago

Shirley HenryEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Dumbor Ngaage "loved life and lived every minute to the fullest", his widow says

Karima Ngaage Dumbor Ngaage smiles at the camera as he holds a mug that reads "the world's best professor". He is wearing a white shirt covered in tiny dots. He has a short cropped beard and short grey hair. — Dumbor Ngaage "loved life and lived every minute to the fullest", his widow says

A surgeon described as a trailblazer has been honoured with a posthumous award at a ceremony in Hull.

Prof Dumbor Ngaage led research that halved the recovery time for cardiac patients at the city's hospitals.

The 62-year-old died of cancer last month, but has now received an Africa4U award for his contribution to medicine.

Karima Ngaage, his widow, said: "He would have been deeply proud of this honour, as he found true joy in every milestone."

Karima Ngaage Dumbor Ngaage and his wife Karima are smiling and standing arm in arm in a hallway, in front of a staircase. Ngaage is wearing a black hat, white smock and black trousers. Karima is wearing a black evening gown and blue shawl. She is long dark blonde hair. — Dumbor and Karima Ngaage met in 2016

Ngaage studied medicine at the University of Benin, Nigeria, before gaining clinical training in the US and UK.

The father-of-four began working for NHS Humber Health Partnership in 2005.

He was the first black clinical lead for cardiac surgery in East Yorkshire and chaired the Hull Hospitals BAME (black, Asian, and minority ethnic) Network.

He was also a certified coach and lecturer, with a passion for tackling inequalities.

Mano Jamieson, equality, diversity and inclusion manager at the Humber Health Partnership, said Ngaage had been an "inspiration" to colleagues.

"He supported so many people through challenging times at work.

"He was an incredible man of great dignity who was instrumental in guiding the trust through the challenges of the Covid pandemic and has left an immense legacy."

Ngaage studied medicine in Nigeria before coming to the UK

Karima Ngaage A graduation photo of Ngaage, who has short black hair. He is wearing a black gown, with a pale blue sash with white tassels. Beneath the gown he is wearing a white shirt and blue striped tie. He is holding a navy blue scroll. — Ngaage studied medicine in Nigeria before coming to the UK

Ngaage, a grandfather of two, "loved life", from taking long walks to hosting barbecues for friends and family.

His daughter Kadilobari said: "Dad's smile was almost as big as his heart – he was a very loving man.

"He had this quiet strength because he took refuge in the Lord."

He met Karima in 2016. She described him as "modest, humble and ever so forgiving".

Ngaage with his daughter Kadilobari and grandson

Kadilobari Peake A family portrait of a man sitting in a chair with his grandson on his lap and his daughter sitting next to him. They are wearing Christmas clothes. The man has cropped grey hair, his daughter has long braider hair and his grandson has short brown hair. — Ngaage with his daughter Kadilobari and grandson

Bankole Akomolafe, a retired surgeon, met Ngaage at the trust nearly 20 years ago and described him as a "trailblazer".

"He wasn't just a surgeon, he was a brilliant surgeon.

"Dumbor was very intelligent. You wouldn't know it because he was very softly spoken."

Ngaage has been described as a "pillar" of the Bridge Church, in Swanland.

Pastor Christopher Fleetcroft said: "He was generous and kind. When he spoke to you, you felt the love of God flowing from him."

A ceremony for the Africa4U East Yorkshire Awards was held at the University of Hull on Tuesday.

Tony Fernandez, the event's organiser, said: "It is important to acknowledge, recognise and remember great role models and community champions who have left a legacy to inspire the young generation."

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