“HE has saved so many lives.”

That is why David and Cyndy Cooper have nominated Dr Ben Mead, a cancer care consultant at Southampton General Hospital for a Daily Echo Hospital Heroes award.

The couple from Lowry Gardens, Sholing, have experienced Dr Mead’s dedication, expertise and care first hand after David was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

After undergoing chemotherapy the 61-year-old plumber is now able to enjoy life once again.

David, who has two sons and three granchildren said: “Dr Mead is such a caring and marvellous person. I had 12 lots of chemotherapy under him.

“I feel fine and go back and see him every two-and- a-half months to make sure everything is OK.”

Cyndy said: “He has saved so many lives including that of my husband. He constantly works out chemotherapy doses himself, using his expertise to judge the amount and type to administer.

“He doesn’t entertain, appear on TV or run marathons. He saves lives. What on Earth could be better than that?”

Dr Mead, 59, who began working in oncology in 1977 said he was “very pleased” to be nominated.

“My work is very satisfying,” he said.