Obituary: Dr Helen James MB, BS. (Hons with Distinction) MRCP.

Everyone at British Judo was saddened to learn about the recent passing of former Chief Medical Officer and IJF Medical Commissioner Dr Helen James.

Helen first became involved in the BJA when her daughter Ruth moved from Colchester Judo Club (AJA) to Ipswich Judo Club (BJA) in 1987. Helen worked alongside Dr Ken Kingsbury for a number of years supporting national events.

Both Helen (and her husband, John Eddy, an Obstetrician) provided medical support at the Junior National Championships at Crystal Palace for many years.

Helen was delighted to be involved in British Judo and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Olympic squad in the Atlanta Games as the Chief Medical Officer and this led to her appointment as the Medical Commissioner for the IJF, where she oversaw the medical provision for various World and European events (including Argentina, Columbia, Berlin, Birmingham….).

During her three years working for the IJF, she frequently gave lectures at international events particularly on the topic of ‘Drugs in Sport’. She did this whilst continuing to be a local GP [50 years] and Police Surgeon for the Essex and Suffolk area.

Helen sadly passed away on Wednesday 5^th February after a short battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

A memorial service will take place at Colchester Christ Church, Ireton Rd, Colchester CO3 3AT, on Friday 20^th March at 2.00 pm.