William Donald Bedford was born on 22 July 1903 in Gildersome, Yorkshire, to William Bedford, the proprietor of a colliery, and his wife Annie. He attended Bradford Grammar School and then Leeds Medical School where he was influenced by Sir Berkeley (later Lord) Moynihan. He graduated with honours in 1926. He became a registrar and subsequently a consultant to the Hertford County Hospital. He was consultant to Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital and Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Welwyn Garden City; and the Cheshunt Cottage Hospital. He had many country interests including shooting, bird watching and gardening and was also a keen bridge player, becoming President of the Hoddesdon Bridge Club. He died suddenly on 10 October 1984 and was survived by his wife, Madelaine, a former nursing sister at the Hertford County Hospital, and his two children, Elizabeth and Digby.