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Stomach cancer claims journalist-turned-PR man aged 35

A former regional daily reporter who went into the world of health PR has died from an aggressive stomach cancer aged 35.

Simon Dudman, pictured, began his career at the Hinckley Times before joining the Coventry Telegraph in 2000.

He stayed four years at the Midlands daily before taking up a press officer role with NHS Coventry, later becoming head of communications, engagement and equalities and overseeing a £1.2m budget.

More recently Simon joined marketing and communications specialist ICE as director of lifestyle services.

In this role, he was responsible for working with NHS trusts on public health campaigns around issues such as alcohol consumption, smoking and healthy weight.

The company has placed his picture on the homepage of its website by way of tribute.

Simon’s former editor at Hinckley, Paul Webb, also paid tribute to his former colleague.

He said:  “Simon was a reporter at the Hinckley Times when I became editor there in 2002. It was clear from the start that he was not only a likeable young man but an accomplished reporter who was going places.

“And he did. It was not long before Alan Kirby, who was then editor of the Coventry Telegraph, offered him a job. It was a natural progression and I wished him well.

“His death at such a young age is a terrible blow for his wife and young children and all who knew him.”

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  • March 20, 2014 at 9:01 am
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    How very, very sad. He looks a genuine, nice guy. Thoughts are with his family and friends…

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  • March 20, 2014 at 10:43 am
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    Sad news – a proper local news guy who was well respected by so many of his colleagues during his time in Cov.

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  • March 20, 2014 at 1:14 pm
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    It was a privilege to know Simon. He was a warm, funny man. A dedicated reporter abd comms guy who adored his family. God bless x

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  • March 20, 2014 at 2:11 pm
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    A loud, ambitious, larger-than-life character with a sharp brain, a warm heart and a wicked sense of humour. Lots of laughs over the years from our Sunday night drinks in Warwick with Jonathan. Your beautiful wife, your girls and your parents did you proud yesterday. R.I.P. Simon. xxx

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  • March 21, 2014 at 12:07 am
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    All I can say is Simon D Top man in business and Top man in life . Sadly missed Did a fantastic Job for the Cet and was a marketing genius for the NHS. Respect to a top guy RIP Simon.

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  • March 21, 2014 at 3:01 pm
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    Just heard about Simon, I knew him when he was at Coventry PCT especially when we were all working to deal with the swine flu pandemic during 2009 an excellent PR man and a good bloke. Very sad indeed.

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  • March 21, 2014 at 3:59 pm
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    Such a wonderful guy, fantastic sense of humour, was lovely knowing him and having a laugh. Work was not always serious, well you could never be serious with Simon. Great guy. You will be missed so much. RIP Mr Dudman.

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