Professor David Nott awarded Freedom of the City of London
Professor David Nott, consultant surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his achievements in surgery and charitable work.
David is a full-time consultant at St Mary’s Hospital, specialising in general surgery, vascular surgery, and trauma. He has also volunteered to perform surgery and train surgeons in disaster and war zones, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Libya, Sierra Leone, Gaza, and Ukraine, over the last 25 years.
David received the honour during a ceremony at London’s Guildhall last week, supported by his family. He was nominated by former Lord Mayor of London, Sir David Wootton, and City of London Corporation elected Member, Catherine McGuinness.
Speaking after the ceremony, David said: “It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City of London. I have lived in London for all my consultant surgical life, which now spans over 30 years. It is a great city and it makes me proud to call myself a Londoner."
Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said: “Courageous, committed, and hugely talented, David Nott is a very worthy recipient of the City’s award, and I send him my warmest congratulations.
“To have helped so many people over the years, to have saved so many lives, and to risk one’s own life to do that is beyond what most of us can imagine.”
Sir David Wootton added: “David Nott is a truly remarkable man, not only for his consummate skill as a surgeon, but also for his bravery for travelling to war and disaster zones to work in such hugely challenging and dangerous conditions, and his enthusiasm in wanting to pass on his valuable skills to others.
“He deserves our admiration and utmost respect, and it is my privilege to support his Freedom award.”
Catherine McGuinness echoed this sentiment, noting David’s selflessness: “David Nott would undoubtedly baulk at being called a hero, but his colleagues in London and across the world must surely regard him as such, for his expertise in putting himself, quite literally, in the line of fire to treat life-altering injuries.
"It is so good to be able to celebrate what David has done to help.”
One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
Congratulations David!
