It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Vallakalil Mathew, fondly known as Kunju, who departed peacefully at home today at the age of 76, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Dr. Mathew was one of the first-generation Malayalees to settle in the UK, where he built a distinguished career in psychiatry and became a pillar of the community. A man of exceptional intelligence and deep compassion, he was known for his soft-spoken nature, dedication to patient care, and quiet generosity.
He lived in Bexley, Kent, where he spent most of his professional life.
Born in Kurattissery, a village in Alappuzha district, Kerala, Dr. Mathew’s academic journey began at Madras Christian College School and continued through Kerala University. He earned his medical degree from Alappuzha Medical College. His passion for teaching and advancing mental healthcare saw him take up key academic roles, including serving as a professor at King’s College London and as a visiting professor at Kottayam Medical College.
Dr. Mathew was recognised not only for his clinical excellence but also for his innovative contributions to the NHS. One notable achievement was his award-winning work in reducing clinic waiting times at Littlebrook Hospital, Bow Arrow Lane, Dartford — the clinic he helped establish.
His dedication extended well beyond medicine. Dr. Mathew was an active member of the Indian Orthodox Christian community in London from as early as the mid-1980s. In the 1990s, he played a key role in drafting the constitution of the church. In the 2000s and 2010s, he worked tirelessly to help secure the first Indian Orthodox Church in the UK and Europe, located in Brockley. He was deeply involved in negotiations with Church of England authorities — and his diplomatic skill and perseverance were instrumental in achieving this milestone.
In an extraordinary act of personal sacrifice and commitment, Dr. Mathew remortgaged his own fully paid-off home to help clear the mortgage on the Brockley church in one payment. His courage and wholehearted willingness to support the church in such a bold and selfless way is both inspiring and historic — a contribution that deserves to be recorded in the historical records of the church and commemorated with a plaque in his honour.
Though in later years he and his family may not have been regular attendees, those who knew him will remember his earlier decades of active involvement and his sincere participation in church life.
Dr. Mathew was also engaged in charitable work in Kerala, always seeking ways to give back to the community that shaped him. His loss is deeply felt across both the UK Malayalee diaspora and his native Kerala.
He is survived by his beloved wife Leela and his sons, Arun and Anup.
A remarkable professional, a kind soul, and a cherished father, husband, and friend — Dr. Mathew’s legacy of compassion, service, and excellence will continue to inspire all who knew him.
15 responses
With fond memories of an idealistic-partner, we worked together in the early years of Orthodox Community Church in Blackfriers- I’ve immensely benefited with his association and indebted through out my life: May the departed soul rest in eternal peace, [Amen]
Heartfelt condolences
A kind hearted person who always had a sense of humour. He has been a great support and a model person for many of us. Thank you ‘ Prof ‘ for guiding us. We all will miss you.
Deeply sorrowed by the demise of dear Kunju
Praying for his soul to rest in eternal peace and comfort..
Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family , specially to Leela , his beloved wife…
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I remember Dr Mathew very well. We are both Psychiatrists and worked together, We are both members of Indian Orthodox Church in London. I am shocked to hear of his death. He is much younger than me, but sadly now I have to say good by to him. I pray to our Lord and God to give him a place in heaven at the time of Great Judgement day. DR M.S.Alexander, Leeds, UK
I remember Prof Mathew for his dedication to help and support his young Trainees, especially those international medical graduates, many of us are indebted to his guidance and support to prepare for the MRCPsych Exams.
Kunju uncle, as we call him at our St Gregorios Orthodox Church, London, played a pivotal very role in securing our First Church Building for Malankara Orthodox Church in the UK at Brockley, in 2002. We should recognise and remember the contributions Kunju uncle has made for our community in the UK. I offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved family 🙏
I remember Prof Mathew for his dedication to help and support his young Trainees, especially those international medical graduates, many of us are indebted to his guidance and support to prepare for the MRCPsych Exams.
Kunju uncle, as we call him at our St Gregorios Orthodox Church, London, played a pivotal very role in securing our First Church Building for Malankara Orthodox Church in the UK at Brockley, in 2002. We should recognise and remember the contributions Kunju uncle has made for our community in the UK.
I offer my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved family 🙏
Heart felt condolences & prayers.. dear family members…
regards,
Geetha Oommen Mathen
Heartfelt condolences in the demise of a lovely endearing friend Dr. Vallakalil Mathew(Kunju).I came to know Kunju after I retired from Norther Ireland Health Srvice in 2002 and returned to London. We soon became friends. It was more than impressive his devotion to the Indian Orthodox Faith even serving as a deacon to the Sunday services & Holy Querbana in our Brockley Orthodox Church in the holy name of our Patron Saint Parumala Thirumeni. God bless his soul. His great and generous contribution to establishing our first church in UK is on record and greatly appreciated.
Every inch a staunch believer in Indian Orthodox Faith, he was devoted to his profession as a consultant Psychiatrist, a caring physician.a humanist and above all an endearing committed Christian.We will miss him.
May his beautiful soul rest in our saviour’s realm of mercy, Grace & peace.
Prayers to comforting his bereaved family.
May his soul rest in peace.
My heartfelt condolence and prayers for Mathews family. Mathew was a well known Psychiatrist as well a versatile doctor with care and compassion .Magic was one of his passions, May his soul rest in peace
Dear Kunichayan , you have given us beautiful memories to remember for ever. Your valuable advices and guidance we can never forget.I have no words to express my feelings.
Our deepest condolences, prayers and love to Leela chachy and family members. May God grant strength to Chechy to face each day without kunjchayan.
Rest in peace dear Kunjchayan..we miss you…love you 🙏 😢
Our deepest condolences and prayers to our dear Leela Chechy and family..Rest in peace dear kunjchyan.We love you and miss you……
Heartfelt condolences. Knew him from the 70s when we were in Nigeria. A compassionate doctor and a good friend. Shall greatly miss him
It is with deep sorrow to hear of the passing of Prof Mathew , we work together at Little Brook Hospital , well respected member of the team by all the staff . My sincere condolences to the family , my thoughts and prayers with you all . Rest in peace