Hundreds of colleagues and former patients packed into Romsey Abbey on Wednesday to pay tribute to top surgeon, James Monro, who passed away in August.
Mr Monro’s efforts saved thousands of Southampton patients during his career.
The 73-year-old, known as Jim to his friends, died following a battle with cancer, but his memory lives on through the pioneering work at Southampton General Hospital.
The service was led by the Rev James Pitkin and featured readings from friends, colleagues and family members.
Tributes were led by John Kirkham and Prof Marko Turina, and attendees exited the service to the Ski Sunday theme.
Guests signed a book of condolence and a collection was held in aid of Wessex Heartbeat, a cause close to Mr Monro’s heart.
Mr Monro was recruited in Southampton in 1973 by the late Sir Keith Ross and oversaw the cardiac unit’s move from the former Western Hospital to the General in 1983.
He played a pivotal role in helping the city’s cardiac unit become a world-leader, which now performs nearly 2,000 operations a year.
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