Born in Tralee on October 23rd, 1931, to parents Rev Hugh J Ritchie and Jennie Hosford, Dr Edgar Ritchie was an esteemed obstetrician and gynaecologist in Cork, South Ireland, who rendered his expertise to women during an era when their alternatives were limited. His tireless efforts as a medical missionary in Biafra in the late ’60s, greatly contributed to his advocacy for a national initiative to assist the Biafra residents. The birth of Concern Worldwide was an outcome of this endeavour.
Wesley College, Dublin, became his home at the age of 11, where he revealed his pursuits in sports, excelling in cricket, tennis, and leading the senior rugby team. His experiences as the head boy at Wesley facilitated many enduring friendships. Edgar fondly remembered visits to the residence of Noble Laureate Ernest Walton on Sundays, where refreshing afternoons were spent solving mathematical riddles. He acknowledged the contribution of such mental exercises to his attainment of a mathematics scholarship to Trinity College Dublin.
However, during his academic journey at Trinity, he found the mathematical theory tedious and started contemplating the continuation of his mathematics studies. An informal discussion with a former classmate, then a medical student at Trinity, stimulated his interest in the medical field. As an active participant of the Christian Union at Trinity, he cherished moments of faith exploration and sharing. A month-long period spent working at the Rotunda Hospital towards the completion of his medical education deeply affected him. Encountering poverty-stricken women from the inner city in Dublin in the 1950s was a turning point that led him towards obstetrics.
With Prof Patrick Steptoe as his mentor in Oldham, UK, Edgar excelled as an obstetrician and gynaecologist. After securing his qualification, he pursued his passion of helping others by applying to the Methodist Missionary Society. This decision led to his commendable work as a medical missionary doctor in Nigeria.
Upon reaching Nigeria, Edgar was positioned in the vicinity of Enugu. After a few months, he secured a chief role in the maternity and gynaecology units at Queen Elizabeth Hospital that is situated in Umuahia – a part of Biafra region. During his tenure, he improved the surgical methods practised in the hospital and constantly authored medical drafts related to his profession. It was during this tenure that Edgar encountered Jean Kingston, a novice midwife missionary hailing from West Cork. They wedded in Drimoleague on the 2nd of June, 1966 before going back to Nigeria.
In 1967, there was a declaration of independence by South Nigeria which led to the Biafran war. Jean, along with her infant daughter Joy, successfully fled the combats by making use of a canoe. Edgar, due to his commitment towards his patients, decided to stay at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. However, in 1969, Nigerian forces began to invade Umuahia, which led to the evacuation of Edgar as the war came to a halt.
Once back in Ireland, Edgar put his efforts into establishing Concern Worldwide which was initially named Africa Concern. It was a joint effort by the Holy Ghost Fathers, O’Loughlin Kennedys and others who were driven by the intention to assist the blockaded and famished citizenry of Biafra.
During the onset of the 1970s, Edgar found himself an opportunity at Victoria Hospital in Cork. A pivotal necessity for family planning was realized by Edgar when he experienced the passing of a patient due to an unpredicted pregnancy. Consequently, Edgar, along with a small assemblage of volunteers, introduced considerable work which led to the inception of the Irish Family Planning Association’s Cork branch. This was largely provoked by a wave of public denigration leading to an increase in referrals. Eventually, a legislation legalising contraceptive availability was introduced by the Irish administration.
Edgar had a rather packed schedule as a doctor. He accounted for around 300 deliveries annually and was given time off of 12 hours every week between Thursday evenings and Friday mornings. These Thursday evenings became a recurring event where he and Jean hosted colleagues and friends for dinner. Jean was actively involved in prenatal classes held at their residence. Through these years, Edgar’s work was successfully complemented by Jean.
Edgar’s faith played a significant role in his actions. Apart from him, his wife, and children were also active participants in the Cork Methodist Church. Edgar Ritchie will always be known for his tender generosity, his visionary contribution in Africa, and for his revolutionary contribution towards the women in Cork.
Reflecting on his existence, he conveyed his gratitude for the undeserved chances that life presented him. Dr Edgar Ritchie leaves behind his beloved wife Jean, his companion for 57 years, his daughter Joy (Brookes), and his sons David and Paul. In addition, his family includes his son-in-law Norman, daughters-in-law Joy and Caroline, and his seven grandchildren; Jonathan, Emily, Joshua, Hannah, Anya, Ronan, and Sian. His surviving sibling is his brother Roy. He was preceded in death by his other brother, the Reverend Derek Ritchie.