COLLEAGUES of a GP who died following a short but courageous battle with Covid-19 have paid tribute to the “loved and respected” doctor.

Dr Fayez Ayache has been described as a selfless and committed man following his tragic death last week, aged 77.

Born in Syria, Dr Ayache moved to the UK in 1973 to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, taking his first post as a GP at Constable Country Medical Practice, in East Bergholt.

A spokesman for the practice said: “He was a well-known and much-loved senior partner at the practice who had served the patients here for about 33 years after arriving from Syria about half a century ago.

“True to his style, he was actively engaged with the NHS until his last few days.

“Apart from being a very good doctor, he was selfless, committed and served with much love.

“He will be sorely missed by all the staff as well as patients alike.

“We pay tribute to him for all his selfless service and compassionate care.”

Pete Keeble, practice manager at Constable Country Medical Practice, has also paid tribute to his former colleague.

He said: “After retiring in 2017 Dr Ayache continued to work in general practice and also as a specialist at Ipswich Hospital.

“He also played a leading role working with charities to help refugees fleeing from the conflict in his native Syria.

“He will be profoundly missed by staff, patients, friends and colleagues whose lives he touched though a long and very distinguished career.”

He worked at the practice in East Bergholt in a number of different roles before he retired to work part-time in a Clacton surgery.

Dr Ed Garratt, executive lead for the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System, said: “Dr Ayache was a much loved and very highly regarded GP who had made a massive contribution to the NHS since he arrived in the UK from Syria nearly half a century ago.

“Any death connected to this horrendous virus is a tragedy, but even more so when it takes someone who has devoted their life and career to helping others overcome health difficulties.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Dr Ayache’s family, friends, colleagues and patients, both past and present.”

People have also been reacting to Dr Ayache’s untikley death on social media, with hundreds of tributes pouring in for the highly-respected doctor and friend.

Dr Antoine Banna said he was extremely shocked and saddened to hear his dear friend had died.

He said: “He was like a brother to me, he was the kindest and most loyal friend anybody would wish to have, my thoughts are with Layla and Sarah, his daughters, who he worshipped all his life.”

“He was the kindest person I’ve ever known with the most generous personality, always willing to serve with the utmost sincerity.”

Lisa Ross, a former colleague, said he was “the most kind and caring GP she has ever worked with”.

Jo Benton met Dr Ayache when she worked with him as a pharmacist and has stayed in touch with him.

She said: “What a kind and generous man he was - I feel so fortunate to have known him.”

“Love to Layla, Sarah and Paisley- he thought the absolute world of you.”