Philip Runchman (Medicine, 1967)

Philip retired from the Royal Navy in 2006 as Surgeon Captain and Consultant Surgeon.

I was offered my place at Hertford by Dr Vaughan Williams who had met my Headmaster at a conference and asked him if he had any promising state school pupils who might be suitable for a place at Hertford. I was interviewed by Dr Vaughan Williams in December 1966 and offered a place almost regardless of my A level grades.

While at Hertford reading medicine I was tutored by Dr Vaughan Williams who I hold in great affection. My place at Hertford was a great step up onto the ladder of life. If Dr Tanner was an instigator of the scheme to encourage students from state schools to apply to Hertford then I am obviously grateful to him as well.