TRIBUTES have poured in after the death of a “wonderful” lecturer who is said to have inspired a whole generation of nurses.

Peter Wellings, who taught on the health science course at Coleg Ceredigion’s Aberystwyth campus, died peacefully in his sleep on 29 February, aged 69, surrounded by his family.

Born in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, Peter joined the Royal Navy aged 16 and trained as a nurse, subsequently rising through the ranks to become acting commander in the medical branch, and a Royal Navy nurse tutor.

Following retirement from the navy, Peter moved to Llangybi, near Lampeter, with his wife Sue and worked as a lecturer in health science at Coleg Ceredigion for more than 12 years, where he was renowned for his unique use of real-life experiences to inspire and teach his students.

“He didn’t know he wanted to be a nurse when he joined the Royal Navy, but it suited his naturally caring side — he was a very good nurse,” Peter’s wife Sue told the Cambrian News this week.

“He loved his garden and had a small holding, because he also loved his animals, and was a very accomplished painter.”

Sue added: “He was a man that loved nature and just wouldn’t kill anything — everything had a place for Peter.”

Students have also paid tribute to a “great man” they say played a massive part in their decision to become a nurse.

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