The widow of a well known Falmouth physiotherapist who died recently has said he would have wanted her to carry on his parents’ work and to “look forward” following his death.

Philippa Tindle, who ran Falmouth Physiotherapy Clinic with her husband Louis Gifford for 26 years, thanked well-wishers for cards, letters and messages that they had sent following his death from prostate cancer.

She said: “He had an optimistic outlook on life and by staying fit and healthy he kept going far beyond his prognosis. He has been an inspiration to many people and I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and amazing messages |over the past few weeks.”

“He was very much a ‘looking forward’ person, and carrying on work at the clinic is what Louis knew we would do.”

Louis had been ill for several years, and in the last 6 months he wrote 450,000 words on his field which Philippa hopes to publish. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy will dedicate part of their October Congress to an appreciation of the contribution he has made to the profession, particuarly in the field of pain science and management.

One of Louis’ regular patient’s told Philippa they were saddened by the news, and said: “Without Louis I would not be doing marathons, triathlons and now my new challenge is ultra marathons, all thanks to Louis and his positive outlook on pain.

“Because Louis helped me so much and he was such a fantastic man and his passing has really touched a nerve, I am going to do a running challenge next year and raise money for prostate cancer in memory of Louis.”

Louis and Philippa had two sons, Jake and Ralph, and instead of a funeral the family had what Philippa called a “very, very private” cremation before later holding a well attended gathering at the Gylly Beach Café.

Philippa said she wanted to thank the community for their support over the last 26 years, and to tell people that the clinic is still open and being run by her and by colleague Louise Nicholettos.

She is also collecting recollections of Louis to document people’s appreciation of his work.