A SERVING governor and ‘real gentleman’ of an Oxford health trust who helped raise £17m for the new children’s hospital has died.

Geoffrey Forster was an active governor at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust for the past three years.

His fellow governors have paid tribute, describing him as ‘a real gentleman’ and ‘a very constructive influence’ on the trust.

He also helped raise millions for the new children’s hospital in the city, before spending three years on his boat exploring the coast around France.

Before becoming a governor for the trust, Mr Forster was the former head of corporate banking at Lloyds bank in Oxfordshire.

Director of corporate affairs at the trust Kerry Rogers said: “ I bid a sad and fond farewell to Geoffrey and pay tribute to the passion he demonstrated in helping the council of governors find meaningful ways to make a difference. He really was a great advocate for the trust.”