05/01/2022
Much-loved founder of WIMAT, Surgeon and Welsh rugby player Brian Rees has died at the age of 79
Brian was born in Neath. He pursued a medical career at Cambridge, where he became the lead cancer clinician in 2000, the same year he was awarded an OBE for his services to medicine, and held the position until 2006. Upon his return to Wales, he became a general surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and was well respected by all.
Brian was the founder of WIMAT (Welsh Institute of Minimal Access Therapy) based at Cardiff Medicentre, which is recognised as being among the best training units in the country. Brian established the unit for the teaching of skills in surgery and laparoscopic techniques which is used by many disciplines within the medical world. The unit remains successful to this day.
In 2008 he became High Sheriff of South Glamorgan and also sat as a Trustee on the board of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, acting as its chair in recent years.
He gained three caps for Wales, against Scotland, Ireland and France. His final cap, in Colombes, He went on to a very successful Rugby career and continued to support Cardiff Medics Rugby in later years.
It was a privileged, to know Brian in whatever capacity, he was an amazing presence wherever he went. You certainly knew he was in the room as soon as he entered.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time. He will be missed by all who knew him.