A POPULAR retired Machynlleth doctor who was “down to earth and appr­oachable”, has died.

Dr Albert Witnall, formerly a GP at Cemmaes Surgery, died surrounded by family at Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday), after suffering a stroke on Monday.

Dr Witnall, who was 77 and worked at the surgery in Cemmaes from 1965 to 1996, leaves behind his wife Eileen, children Liz and Andrew, and grandchildren Lucy and Dylan.

Speaking to the Cambrian News, Liz said her father, who qualified in medicine in Birmingham, will be remembered in Machynlleth and the surrounding area as an “old fashioned” doctor who would sometimes even take his pets to work with him.

“Dad was a keen fisherman who loved fishing on the Dyfi and all around the world,” said Liz.

“Even now, we have stories from people who remember dad as an old fashioned doctor and very much a family doctor."

Asked what made her father such a popular man, Liz said it was beca­use of his “down to earth” nature.

She said: “He was down to earth and very approachable, and gave good-old fashioned advice."

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