Australia: Heart Foundation Remembers Tireless Efforts of Dr Nigel Gray

Source from:  Medianet 12/23/2014

The National Heart Foundation of Australia, CEO, Ms Mary Barry has today sent her heartfelt condolences to the family of former Cancer Council Victoria director (1968-1995) Nigel Gray has died from pneumonia aged 85.

Mr Gray, a doctor, was a "fearless" opponent of the tobacco industry and is credited with pioneering tobacco control in Australia.

Dr Gray's ground-breaking work included spearheading a public anti-smoking campaign that led to Victoria's 1987 reforms banning tobacco advertising and taxing its producers.
 
Some of the funds were used to establish VicHealth, of which he was later patron.
This model has since been adopted throughout Australia and the world.
 
Ms Barry said Dr Gray had forged the path forward for many public health organisations such as the Heart Foundation against a mighty and powerful opponent, the tobacco industry.
 
"Through his determination and leadership Nigel galvanized Australia's major health organisations, including the Heart Foundation, to take the fight to Big Tobacco."
 
"He was one of the first and certainly the most effective in tobacco control and he did it at a time when the tobacco industry was very powerful," she said.
 
Dr Gray is survived by his wife Ann, son Stephen, daughters Kirsty and Penny and his grandchildren. Enditem