David Baum 1940–1999

David worked with extraordinary energy to improve the health and welfare of children, not just in the UK but all over the world, including Brazil, Russia, the Balkans, and Gaza. His academic brilliance was matched by his humanity; he even learned to perform magic tricks to amuse and distract his young patients. He had a smile that could light up a room, and he put joy into, and derived joy from, everything he did. He died of a heart attack during a charity cycle ride to raise money for children suffering in regions ravaged by war and disaster.

David was Stanley’s cousin and Alexei’s Tree and Other Stories is dedicated to his memory. All royalties from the book are donated to the David Baum International Foundation, which has been set up to continue the wonderful work that he started.