THE family of an “inspirational” and “cheerful” doctor who died this week after a car crash have paid tribute to him.

Dr Alec Forti, who was head of research into MS at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow for 27 years, died of his injuries on Monday after a crash near his Amersham home the previous week. He was 66.

He was on his way to an emergency call-out in High Wycombe when he was involved in the accident, which also claimed the life of 35-year-old Daniel Coupland of Holmer Green.

Yesterday his family hailed a man who dedicated his life to helping people.

Nephew Oliver Jevremov said: “He was the ultimate uncle, colleague, friend and doctor for a lot of people. He was one of those people who befriended everybody.

“He was always the person who connected everybody and make sure everyone was talking and making friends.

“He was an inspiration to people, and as a family man he was very supportive. He's not just a loss to us, he's a loss to a lot of people. He's irreplaceable.

“He was the youngest 66-year-old. Somebody wrote in a card he was like Peter Pan – he never got older.”

Born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, to a nurse and a US army Sergeant, Dr Forti spent his early years living in America before the family moved back to England.

After having a lifelong desire to become a doctor, he qualified from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1973 – going on to work as an MS researcher, police surgeon, GP and for mental health and family planning services in Buckinghamshire.

Brother-in-law David said: “For the majority of his life he was on call 24/7. He sometimes slept with his pager on him. Any time of night he would go out.

“He was the most cheerful and loudest person in the room and would say hello to everyone.”

Dr Forti, of London Road, also had Italian ancestry and owned a property in Umbria. He had intended to go there next month.

David joked: “He was very good at speaking English in an Italian accent. He was determined to learn Italian but never did.”

Condolence messages have been sent to the family from several former colleagues, some of whom hand-delivered cards themselves.

His sister Alison said: “I was not surprised, but also surprised, how many people knew him. He touched everyone, through whatever they were doing. He had that personality.

“Everyone always loved to talk to him, he was the best conversationalist.”

Oliver said: “I don't think he ever considered work as work, he enjoyed it so much. His hobby was his work.”

Niece Sienna said: “He was always busy but he always had time for everyone. His work didn't stop him thinking of you.”

He had three sisters, Jean, Lesley – who have both passed away – and Alison.

Friends from Canada were among the mourners at his funeral, which took place on Friday at the Amersham Crematorium.