Tributes have been paid to a former parish councillor who has passed away.

Professor Chris Hudson, who loved in Woodside, was a member of North Weald Bassett Parish Council and represented the Thornwood ward, died on Sunday, February 8.

He was also known for helping others through his work in obstetrics and gynaecology including a member of the Epping Forest User Forum.

Dame Eleanor, who was in the Speaker’s Chair at the House of Commons described Hudson, who had lived in Woodside, Thornwood, as “unique”.

She said: “I would also like to pay tribute to Professor Hudson on behalf of the whole community in Epping Forest where he will be very greatly missed not only for his considerable achievements during a distinguished medical career but for the good work he did and the charitable Professor causes he helped in our local community.

“He was unique, and he would be a very proud man today.”

Professor Hudson studied at Cambridge University before beginning a 65-year association with Barts, The Mothers' and Homerton Hospitals in London.

His son, Dr Neil Hudson, a veterinary surgeon, was elected the Conservative MP for Penrith and The Borders at the December 2019 General Election.

He dedicated his Maiden Speech at the House of Commons five days after his father’s death.

Dr Hudson said: “He devoted his life to the service of his patients in the NHS and in Australia, and during periods spent in Nigeria and Pakistan.

“He notably worked to reduce maternal mortality and postpartum complications in the developing world.

“He delivered countless babies and saved countless lives through pioneering surgery in this area and, especially, in cancer surgery - those procedures are still making a difference today.

“In addition, he trained and mentored so many health professionals right up until the end.

“I am so sorry that he is not here today, but he is at peace now. With all my heart and soul: thank you, mum and dad. God bless you, dad. This one’s for you.”

Barts Hospital also released a tribute in honour of Professor Hudson on their official website.

It reads: “We are sad to report the death on 8th February of former Guild chairman Professor Chris Hudson.

“Chris, who was Chairman of the Guild between 2007 and 2012, was the first man to chair what was formerly known as the ‘Women’s Guild’.

“Along with his many medical and scientific achievements he remained actively involved with successive generations of Barts students and alumni, in particular with both the women’s and men’s Boat Clubs. Later, he became President of the Barts and The London Alumni Association.”

Remembering Chris’s contribution to the Guild, fellow past Chairman at Barts Hospital, Andrew Phillips said: “During his chairmanship he ensured the Guild made a real occasion of its Centenary (especially through the Concert which he backed enthusiastically), encouraged new Trustees who were to prove very active in the Guild, initiated a friendly footing with the Barts Charity and helped the Trust’s senior management to increasingly appreciate the Guild’s contribution.

“As ill-health took hold and his mobility lessened greatly I admired the grace he showed in adversity, the presence that he brought to us (and always well turned-out), despite physical strains, in his attendance at Guild occasions.”

Professor Chris Hudson’s funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, Theydon Bois, at 2.30pm on Wednesday, March 11.