The only son of teachers, he lived his early life in Purley, south of London, and took his medical training at Charing Cross Hospital, where he was an active cross country athlete; in 1965 he took part in the Ben Nevis Race. He was also a keen birdwatcher in his younger days, and retained an interest in the natural world throughout his life.
As the sole offspring of educators, he spent his formative years in Purley, near London, and received his medical training at Charing Cross Hospital, where he excelled as a cross-country runner; in 1965 he took part in the Ben Nevis Challenge. He was also an enthusiastic young birdwatcher, and continued to be fascinated by the natural world throughout his life.