A consultant at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro has died unexpectedly.

A service to celebrate the life and work of Dr Joseph Mathew will now take place this Saturday (May 24) at Truro Methodist Church, at 10.30am.

This will be followed by a private ceremony at Penmount Crematorium, Truro.

His family has requested a colourful dress code.

Dr Mathew, a consultant histopathologist whose job was to assess tissue samples and biopsies, passed away on Sunday (May 18) despite the best efforts of the intensive therapy unit at the hospital. He was not at work at the time.

His family have passed on their gratitude to the doctors and nurses in the unit for their “wonderful kindness and sensitivity” during a most difficult time for them.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: “Joe’s colleagues and friends are deeply saddened by the news of his death and send their heartfelt condolences to his family. “Joe's loss is felt not only by the hospital but also by colleagues throughout the whole of the south west region. He has worked tirelessly as a consultant histopathologist at the Royal Cornwall Hospital since 1997 and contributed enormously in various fields.”

Dr Mathew was from the St Austell area.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Little Harbour Children’s Hospice, St Austell. Any enquiries to should be directed to Personal Choice Funerals, 4 Alexandra Road, St Austell, PL25 4QP, 01726 64040.