A Welsh GP who made himself available night and day for a dying cancer patient has been given a prestigious award.

Dr Richard Evans, from Aberystwyth, was named Welsh GP of the Year by the Royal College of GPs.

Dr Evans was nominated as one of the final wishes of the unnamed patient.

The patient’s wife said her husband had “deep appreciation for the exemplary care and support he received.”

She told how the GP had visited in the evenings and at weekends, saying: “He was always put at ease by the GP who discussed issues around his illness with great sensitivity, leaving him feeling both comforted and reassured that although the end of his life was approaching he could rely on his doctor for support and care.”

RCGP Welsh chair Dr Rebecca Payne said: “It is clear that Dr Evans worked in partnership with his patient to provide tailored care during the final months of his life. Dr Evans went above and beyond for his patient and saw him as an individual, treating his physical condition but also looking after his emotional well-being.

“It is important to take the time to reflect on how excellent care can have such an impact on people’s lives. It makes me proud to be a GP.”