Southsea husband pays tribute to “amazing” doctor wife who tragically died in accident
The doctor was well known after working in Portsmouth
A Southsea husband has paid tribute to his “amazing” wife who tragically died in an accident.
Dr. Anannya Kar, 51, passed away after a cycling accident in Switzerland - leaving loved ones, colleagues and friends devastated. She died two days after the crash from her injuries.
Her husband Dr Partha Kar, a consultant in Portsmouth Hospitals, said he and their two children Anushka and Arjun have been left with an “incredible hole” in their lives after receiving the news.
Anannya worked as a gynaecologist and was well known for her work across hospitals in Portsmouth, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and in Dorset, and was based at Bournemouth Hospital at the time of her death.
A keen cyclist, she had been away with a group of doctors and nurses for a cycling trip when the accident happened on May 24. “I just got a phone call saying she had fallen,” Partha said.
“She had fantastic care but they couldn’t save her. I flew out after I was told and was there when she died.”
Partha said he met Anannya at college when they were just 18 years old - and had been together ever since. “I always said my success is down to her. The way she kept me grounded was very important. She was a wonderful mum to two amazing children. She gave them fantastic values and was a proud mum,” he said.
“I’ve not known anyone else since I was 18, I’m now 52. She’s left an incredible hole, there are memories everywhere and a lot of emptiness. I’m trying to cope day by day.”
Anannya was known for her kindness and desire to help others and for her “happy” demeanour and “incredible laugh”.
The couple moved to Southsea 13 years ago with Anannya passionate about the city. “She felt very much a Portsmouth lady,” Partha said.
“She would be out every day cycling and with the dogs by the seaside. She would frequently visit Southsea Beach Cafe where she would showcase her Bengali culinary skills when hosting cooking events.”
Anannya was also highly regarded at the hospitals where she was a consultant with one of her “biggest pieces of work” involving early cancer detection. The mum did a lot of charity work in India and would travel there twice a year.
At hospitals along the south coast she put herself out for colleagues and patients. “She wanted to help people, especially nurses, who she wanted to help teach and mother. She was a great family person and doctor,” Partha said.
Following her death, Partha said Anannya’s colleagues and those who knew her have been left “overwhelmed and shocked” before adding: “The reaction has been amazing. The love and support has been exemplary. My work has been unbelievably kind. It restores your faith in humanity. Portsmouth has helped me a lot. I’m very grateful.”
A memorial for friends and family will be held on July 12 at the couple’s Southsea home.