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 only child of educators, he spent his early years in Purley, near London, and received medical training at Charing Cross Hospital, where he was a competitive athlete; in 1965 he participated in the Ben Nevis Challenge. He also had an interest in wildlife, which remained with him throughout his life.