Friends remember GP

A SERVICE of thanksgiving has been held in memory of Dr Colin Shawcross whose body was found in woodland in June–five months after he vanished from his home.

Family and friends of the retired GP gathered at St John's Church in Ranmoor, Sheffield, last Saturday, to pay tribute to the “well-loved, valued and respected man.”

Dr Shawcross (58), of Ashley Grove, Aston, spent 30 years as a GP in Firth Park before taking up a role in the endoscopy unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.

He separated from his wife Carol, of 33 years, in August last year, but remained on good terms, and visited the family home in Ranmoor two to three times a week. He was the father of three sons, James, Edward, and Richard, who described their father as happy to help any one.

Dr Shawcross was reported missing from his home in January and after a lengthy investigation, his body was found in Loscar Wood near Harthill, on June 20.

Woodall man Andrew Hill, of Walseker Lane, remains in custody charged with the murder of Dr Shawcross pending a trial in early 2010.