Prof Chris Redman – sad news from APEC

All of us at Action on Pre-eclampsia were devastated to learn of the death of our co-founder Prof Emeritus Chris Redman on 13th August, 2024.

Chris understood pre-eclampsia more than almost anyone, but understood better than anything that there was so much more to discover and his curiosity as a researcher drove him to find more pieces to fit in the jigsaw. As an educator he empowered countless students, many of whom have gone on to become professors and find out yet more about this devastating condition. He believed in sharing his knowledge widely often at APEC Study Days.

Isobel Walker, Co-founder of Action on Pre-eclampsia, said: “Chris Redman was one of the most brilliant, wonderful and selfless human beings I have ever known. His contribution to the understanding, management and prevention of pre-eclampsia is unmatched. He has saved countless lives as a doctor specialising in diagnosing and managing the condition and countless more through the many books and papers he has authored and in his role as Medical Director of APEC, making parents, doctors and midwives aware of the dangers of pre-eclampsia and the vital importance of screening, diagnosis and timely intervention.

“To me and my husband Andy he was initially an expert, steering us through two further high-risk pregnancies after the loss of my first baby. He then became a friend and mentor, a co-author of two books on pre-eclampsia and co-founder of APEC.

“As if this wasn’t enough, he started running marathons in his fifties, initially to raise funds for the Silver Star Unit at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital and latterly for APEC. In our recollection he ran 10 marathons in consecutive years.

“Above all it was his human qualities that shone through: his kindness, his honesty, his twinkling humour. And despite his brilliance he was self-effacing to a fault.

“Knowing and collaborating with him has been the greatest honour of my life. And my greatest regret is that he never received any kind of public honour despite multiple attempts to gain one for him.”

Prof Andrew Shennan OBE, Chairman of the Trustees of Action on Pre-eclampsia, said: “Chris Redman will be known to many of us as the as the grandfather of APEC. His contribution to our understanding of pre-eclampsia and the instigator of so many initiatives that improved the world cannot be overstated. And such a gracious and engaging character that will be sorely missed. But his legacy will live on.”

Prof Emeritus James Walker, Medical Director of Action on Pre-eclampsia, said: “Professor Chris Redman was a trailblazer in the field of pre-eclampsia. As a physician who ventured into Obstetrics, his contributions to medical science and maternal health have saved countless lives and established new standards of care. His research offered crucial insights into the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia, leading to innovative treatments and preventive measures. Beyond his groundbreaking research, he was renowned for his commitment to teaching and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring that his knowledge and passion for improving maternal health would continue to shape the field for years to come.

“In addition to his professional achievements, Professor Redman was a cherished figure among his colleagues and patients. His empathetic approach to patient care and his unwavering commitment to medical ethics made him a role model for many. His work has left an indelible mark on the field of Obstetrics, and his contributions will continue to resonate within the medical community and beyond for all the work he has done, as well as being a person of integrity, a close colleague and friend.”

Marcus Green, Chief Executive of Action on Pre-eclampsia, said: “My early meetings with Chris Redman were fascinating as he poured his knowledge into me, from examples of early research into the condition to sharing the history of the charity, he loved nothing more than passing on what he had learned, but also what he had discovered. He was unfailingly kind, relentlessly generous in his praise and met everyone with his charming sense of humour.

“The charity he set up has gone from strength to strength and over thirty years since it started and throughout that time, he kept more than a weather eye on what we were doing. Knowing that he and Isobel Walker had such integrity and decency in setting up the charity has always made it easy to do the right thing. Chris leaves a huge hole and is irreplaceable but his legacy is enormous.”