Trevor Layzell was a general and vascular surgeon at Bishop Auckland General Hospital. He was born on 2 February 1949 and studied medicine at Newcastle University, graduating in 1972. He started his career at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, followed by a move to Sunderland Royal Hospital and a short stint as a GP, also in Sunderland. Trevor quickly realised he wanted to be at the frontline, doing surgery in theatre. He was a senior registrar in surgery in Newcastle and Carlisle. At Bishop Auckland, as a consultant surgeon, he established and developed the breast care department. Trevor cherished the chance to make a difference and loved to travel to different parts of the world to give expert opinion as an examiner. He was an Arris and Gale lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons. He retired in 2007. He was very popular character with staff and patients, who loved his outgoing and forthright personality and wicked sense of humour. He had a great passion for music, especially his beloved piano, which he played at numerous events. He was an active member of the Barnard Castle School choir. Trevor Layzell died on 16 September 2015, aged 66. He was survived by his partner, Tony, and his son, Jonathan. Another son, Richard, predeceased him.