The Society is deeply saddened to share the news that Annette Dolphin, our former President, died early on the morning of 26 January 2026.
She has asked that the background to her illness be made publicly known in order to raise awareness of Lynch syndrome and similar disorders. Annette died of a Lynch syndrome-associated duodenal tumour. Her husband, William, shared that her last wish is that there should be greater public knowledge of Lynch syndrome. She requested that the message be spread that if you have a family history of GI and/or gynaecological cancers, especially occurring at a young age, to get tested for Lynch mismatch repair mutations and similar disorders. Early diagnosis and enhanced monitoring are very important.
Many in our community will have known and worked with Annette over the years. As well as being an outstanding neuroscientist she was also a mentor, colleague and friend to so many. Her loss will be deeply felt.
The Society is preparing an obituary to celebrate Annette’s life and we will share details in due course.
Funeral arrangements: Annette’s funeral will be on Thursday 19 February at 11am at the Bierton crematorium, near Aylesbury, HP22 5BH. There will be a reception afterwards at the Bierton Coffee House, which is nearby.
If you plan to attend, please contact governance@physoc.org so that the family can keep track of numbers.