Tributes have been paid following the death of a dedicated fundraiser who helped collect tens of thousands of pounds to help local youngsters.

John Murphy, who was described as “the driving force” behind Llanilar’s fundraising Falcon Useless Golfing Society and was a member of the fundraising band The Village Idiots, passed away on Thursday, 6 December, following a battle against cancer.

Mr Murphy, 71, who ran his car repair business Sprayright in Bow Street until he retired a few years ago, had helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds through his fundraising efforts, with the money helping children across north Ceredigion, including those who attend Dosbarth Pili Pala at Ysgol Llwyn yr Eos.

Friends of Mr Murphy, who leaves his wife Sue, daughters Tracy and Debbie and son Nick, as well as grandchildren Carrie, Caitlin, Tristan, Isabelle, Rory and Megan, said he would be greatly missed and paid tribute to his dedication to raising money for good causes.

Peter Roberts said: “John was a devoted husband, loyal father, truly smashing bloke and a great friend of mine who never complained to his numerous mates about his brave fight against cancer over the past couple of years.

“Throughout this period he remained the driving force behind Llanilar’s Falcon Useless Golfing Society’s annual fundraising charity golf tournaments, Father Christmas carol-singing village runs and golfing trips to Aberystwyth’s Irish twin town Arklow.

“He organised these events meticulously and with exemplary enthusiasm. Such selfless dedication will be virtually impossible to maintain and the loss of his strenuous efforts is a major blow to all FUGS activities.

“Due to his fundraising expertise he and all his FUGS colleagues have been able to donate many thousands of pounds towards specialised equipment for the Pili Pala class at Penparcau’s Ysgol Llwyn yr Eos.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now