Health&Beauty
Michael Dooley appointed High Sheriff of Dorset
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Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist who worked at Dorset County Hospital for over 25 years, Michael Dooley has been appointed to become High Sheriff of Dorset 2021-22. Michael was appointed by Her Majesty The Queen at a private meeting of the Privy Council, held at Windsor Castle on 10 March. The Declaration took place at Damers School Poundbury under strict Government Covid Guidelines. His Under Sheriff is Mrs Katherine Jones, Solicitor from Humphries Kirk and his Chaplain is Reverend Jonathan de Kretser. After 25 years at Dorset County Hospital Michael is now Medical Director of The Poundbury Clinic, Dorchester, an integrated clinic that aims to create harmony in women’s health, wellbeing and infertility care. There is also a satellite clinic in King Edward VII Hospital London. He congratulated his predecessor George Streatfeild for an inspirational year and thanked George and his wife Amanda for all their support. Michael’s aim is to awaken the possibility in other people and create equality, justice and harmony for all, through education in a sustainable environment. ‘I aim to seek out all those organisations and individuals within Dorset that encourage both the prevention and help stop re-offending of crime’ he says. ‘I also look forward to taking an active part in supporting and promoting voluntary organisations within the wonderful county of Dorset.’ He pointed out that the pandemic has demonstrated enormous inequalities in Dorset, and hopes that by encouraging a vibrant community spirit, some of the solution will be found. ‘My aim is that through my active role in supporting, encouraging and listening I hope the eyes of Dorset will begin to shine a little brighter.’ Michael Dooley was born and educated in Wimbledon and qualified as a medical doctor from London University. His post graduate training continued in London, Oxford and Southern Ireland where he met his wife Barbara. He is a recognised expert on exercise in women’s health and has attended two Olympic Games as team doctor and was senior gynaecologist for London 2012 Olympics.
Michael Dooley new High Sherriff of Dorset
He has been an advisor to The Football Association and English Cricket Board and is Treasurer to The College of Medicine and past President of The Section of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at The Royal Society of Medicine. Michael has published four books on women’s health including one on The Menopause and another on Infertility. Michael met his wife, Barbara, at Pony Club and has long term interest in equestrian pursuits. He actively supports fund raising for local and national charities and sits as on the advisory board of The Challenge Hub and The Active Pregnancy Foundation. He has three children Denis, CEO for New Forest Events, who is married to Jo; William a trainee Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in Essex who is married to Fran and Rebecca a Head teacher in London who is married to Tom. He also has five grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys long distance walks, ballet and reading books on the history of medicine, as well as spending time (Covid permitting) with his family. Michael has recently purchased an electric bike and he aims to use this to travel to events if possible.
Vamps star takes on seven challenges for Julia’s House JAMES McVey, lead guitarist and singer with The Vamps is raising money and awareness for local children’s hospice Julia’s House, by taking on the charity’s virtual Seven Wonders of the World fitness challenge. The musician and former I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! star is a long term supporter and Patron of the charity, which cares for some of the most seriously ill children and their families across Dorset and Wiltshire. After completing the Machu Picchu challenge through the virtual app earlier this year, James decided to take on all 56 The Marshwood Vale Magazine May 2021 Tel. 01308 423031
seven wonders of the world for Julia’s House with a combination of running and cycling – 883 miles in total. James says, ‘I like to challenge myself with things out of my comfort zone. Taking on all seven challenges definitely fits into that category!’ The trained nurses and carers at Julia’s House provide medical, practical and emotional care for families of children with life-limited conditions – in the home, in the community and in the charity’s hospices in Corfe Mullen and in Devizes, Wiltshire. Growing up near the Corfe Mullen
hospice, James remembers driving past on his way to Corfe Hills School when he was a pupil there. ‘When I first visited the hospice, I had a chance to see for myself just how inspiring the children, parents and staff are,” he says. “It’s vital that we remember that charities like Julia’s House are still working, regardless of whether businesses and leisure facilities are open.’ Find out more about Julia’s House and the Seven Wonders of the World fitness challenge at www.juliashouse. org/seven-wonders
