The Quiet Dedication Behind Two Lives of Service

When your child is in hospital with an infection during cancer treatment, you cling to any reassurance you can find. Dr Colin Cunningham provided exactly that from the moment we met him on Tiger Ward at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich. What we didn't know then—what we only discovered during a late-night search from Aleks's bedside—was that this warm, unhurried paediatrician lives an extraordinary double life of service.

Meeting Dr Cunningham

Dr Cunningham is a Consultant Paediatrician at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, with a special interest in paediatric oncology. He trained at some of the UK's most prestigious children's hospitals—Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, Yorkhill Children's Hospital in Glasgow—before becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2019. Until early 2022, he served as Clinical Director for Children's Services at QEH, overseeing the strategic direction of paediatric care across the department.

But credentials don't capture what makes Dr Cunningham remarkable. From our first meeting, he made an immediate and positive impression—professional, yet always smiling and approachable. He explained Aleks's infection clearly and transparently, taking genuine care to listen and address our concerns rather than simply delivering information.

Through Each Infection Together

Throughout Aleks's treatment, which has included several infections (not unusual given the effects of the intensive chemotherapy he endured), Dr Cunningham took the time to see him regularly. He explained each decision and possible alternative in detail, never rushing us, consistently reassuring us that we could reach out to him or his team if anything else arose.

We always felt comfortable asking questions—a simple thing, perhaps, but invaluable when you're navigating the frightening terrain of childhood cancer. Dr Cunningham has that rare quality of making complex medical decisions feel like conversations rather than pronouncements. And Aleks responded especially well to him, always smiling and cooperating during their interactions. Children, I've learned, are excellent judges of character.

The difference between a frightened child and one who trusts his doctor is immeasurable. Dr Cunningham built that trust through patience, warmth, and genuine respect for Aleks as a person—not just a patient.

A Discovery from the Bedside

One night, staying with Aleks on the ward, I looked up Dr Cunningham. What I found surprised me.

In addition to being a consultant paediatrician with expertise in paediatric oncology, Dr Cunningham serves as the Lord Provost's Consort in Edinburgh—the partner of Robert Aldridge, the 258th Lord Provost of Edinburgh and the city's first openly gay holder of that ancient office. They have been together for 35 years.

Since May 2022, Dr Cunningham has balanced his London medical career with Edinburgh civic duties. He works at Queen Elizabeth Hospital during the week, caring for children like Aleks. Then he returns to Scotland at weekends to fulfil ceremonial responsibilities—hosting VIP guests, attending civic receptions, and representing Edinburgh at formal occasions.

In September 2025, he rode on horseback in the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches alongside HRH The Princess Royal, carrying the Edinburgh Exiles Standard as Standard Bearer—a position honouring those with Edinburgh connections who live elsewhere.

The nurses I spoke to had no idea about any of this. Dr Cunningham simply gets on with his work, caring for sick children without seeking recognition for the remarkable dual life he leads.

Key Contributions

• Provided expert paediatric care during Aleks's chemotherapy-related infections at QEH Woolwich
• Explained complex medical decisions clearly and thoroughly, always making time for questions
• Built genuine trust with Aleks through warmth and patience
• Former Clinical Director for Children's Services, demonstrating leadership in paediatric care
• Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (FRCPCH) since 2019
• Trained at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Yorkhill Children's Hospital

💜 From the Family

What strikes me most about Dr Cunningham is his modesty. Here is a man who spends his weeks treating seriously ill children, then commutes to Edinburgh to ride alongside Princess Anne in historic ceremonial traditions—and he doesn't mention any of it. The nurses on his own ward didn't know. He simply does the work.

That quiet commitment to service, in both spheres of his life, speaks volumes about his character. We're deeply grateful for the care he has given Aleks, for the reassurance he has given us, and for demonstrating through his example that dedication doesn't need fanfare.

Dr Cunningham exemplifies something we've learned on this journey: the people who make the greatest difference often do so without seeking recognition. They simply show up, do excellent work, and treat others with kindness.

We will carry our gratitude for Dr Cunningham's care throughout Aleks's treatment and beyond.