TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Highbridge GP who has passed away after a battle with illness.

Dr Mieczyslaw Jerzey Bizon, known as Mike, died on May 10 after a two-year battle with cancer.

The 68-year-old grew up in Stoke-on-Trent and moved to the South West in his early twenties to pursue his studies, where he met and married his loving wife and started a family.

Mike dedicated his life to caring for people in his community and he was a senior partner at Highbridge Medical Centre for 38 years.

He also worked as a police surgeon for 15 years covering the region.

Annika Bizon, Mike’s daughter, paid tribute to him and described him as ‘ a real pillar of the community’.

“He took pride in helping those in and around Highbridge and Burnham and really cared about his patients,” she said.

“A true adventurer, he loved to travel and was lucky enough to have visited all over the world.

“A passion for adrenaline sports, he was an avid diver, snowboarder, cyclist and windsurfer as well as gardening, photography and more recently, exploring with his drones.

“He leaves behind the love of his life, Danusia, his two daughters, Annika and Francesca, son-in-law Dean, and his beloved grand-daughters Ella and Amelie whom he utterly adored. And his little buddy, Benji the dog.

“He was a loving man with a kind gentle nature and a passion for life, who adored his family and for over 40 years was proud to look after the local community.”

Naomi Coniam, practice manager at Highbridge Medical Centre, also paid tribute to Dr Bizon and said he was ‘greatly loved and appreciated’ by patients and staff.

“The staff and patients at Highbridge Medical Centre were all extremely sorry to hear the sad news that Dr Mike Bizon, a much-loved former GP at the practice, passed away at the weekend,” she said.

“Dr Bizon was a hugely respected GP partner and had worked at the practice for over 35 years.

“From October 2016 until his retirement in July 2018 he had worked alongside Symphony Healthcare Services to help ensure the future stability and development of the practice.

“He was greatly loved and appreciated by his patients as well as all the staff with whom he worked over the course of his long career.

“He will be remembered with huge affection.

“The thoughts of everyone at Highbridge Medical Centre are with Dr Bizon’s family at this very sad time.”