Keren SKEGG Obituary

Today I stumbled across the news of Keren's death. I was saddened by the news but it took me back many years to when Karen and I were both amongst a group of half a dozen junior doctors joining the Oxford Rotational Training Scheme in Psychiatry in the UK, based on the Warneford and Littlemore psychiatric hospitals. Part of the training was a sensitivity group led by a 'therapist', Peter Lewis, with the aim of helping us understand group dynamics. Keren's warm and cheerful personality was one of the factors that helped the group 'gel' together. Of course our paths also crossed often during the following three years of training and I always admired her thorough and meticulous way of working.

Condolences to David and the rest of her family.

Dear David,
I was so sorry to read of Keren´s death.
I knew Keren as a medical student, when we shared a flat with three others in Castle St, Keren in the little room at the back of the house. It was the year you first came into her life, and I clearly remember how, suddenly, Keren was glowing. I spent an evening with her in Wellington, while you were in the final stages of selection for a Rhodes Scholarship. In my memory you were meeting the Governor General, but that may not be correct. She tried so hard to keep quiet about where you were and what you were doing, but in the end her excitement won, and the story came tumbling out.
It may be the last time I saw her. She went to Oxford, I set off on my career, we both became busy, married and had families, lived far from each other. I did, however, run into her father several times, and heard a little of her life.
You must be so proud of her research and all that she has achieved. In my career, I have seen so many young people whose state of mind leads to self-harm. I have read several of her papers, those freely available on the internet.
I have thought of Keren often over the last few years, of her wisdom, kindness and generosity, the wonderful Indonesian inspired meals she produced, and have told myself often that it is time to track her down, catch up. I so regret not having done that.
My best wishes to you all at this dreadfully difficult time.
Betsy Sewell