Minal Padhiar, who died on 15 September 2026 at the age of 49, was a highly respected podiatrist who devoted her career to caring for others. 

Most recently, she worked at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where she was valued for her clinical expertise, kindness and compassion. 

Minal qualified as a podiatrist in 1997 at Nene School of Podiatry, which later became part of the University of Northampton. She returned to London, subsequently working in the north London borough of Haringey, before joining Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in 2005. 

Kind and compassionate

Colleagues remember Minal as a generous and highly professional person. She championed students and their learning while remaining committed to developing her own clinical skills. Only recently, she had completed a qualification in non-medical independent prescribing. 

Her patients valued her patience, professionalism and reassuring manner. She took great pride in making a difference to people's lives. With a fabulous sense of humour and a lovely smile, she often went beyond the clinical requirements of her role to offer comfort, encouragement and support. 

Naturally caring

A natural carer at work, Minal also had an adventurous streak. She was a thrill seeker who enjoyed socialising and treasured time spent with family and friends, particularly her two children, whom she adored. 

Minal will be remembered with gratitude and affection by her colleagues at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and by those who knew her for her warmth, generosity and friendship. 

She is survived by her husband and their two children. 

• Minal Padhiar, podiatrist, born 5 March 1977; died 15 September 2026.