TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a "hero" who devoted his last years to "putting a smile on everyone's face" through his fundraising efforts.

John Adams, who dedicated the past seven years to raising money and awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, died aged 79. 

The Droitwich resident was diagnosed with MND in 2017 and was only given 12 to 18 months to live.

Worcester News: THOUGHTFUL: John Adams and Jackie Hemming donating Easter eggsTHOUGHTFUL: John Adams and Jackie Hemming donating Easter eggs (Image: John Adams)Seven years later, Mr Adams has become known worldwide for his fund-raising efforts, earning the nicknames Sir John and MND Warrior.

"The last few years, the disease ate away at him, but he always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and was cheeky," said Paul Adams about his father.

Worcester News: WELL-LOVED: John Adams with his hundreds of birthday cards last year.WELL-LOVED: John Adams with his hundreds of birthday cards last year. (Image: John Adams)"He was known for saying he's 'single and ready to mingle' and was upbeat.

"He had his dark moments, of course, he did with the disease, but anyone who visited him, he would try and interact with them on his keypad and be out on social media - the unlikely joy be brought people when he was not feeling his best."

Over the past seven years, Mr Adams has raised over £22,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and has been involved in many creative fundraisers. 

Worcester News: John Adams in his Christmas attire. John Adams in his Christmas attire. (Image: John Adams)This included receiving 600 birthday cards, sponsoring the Motor Neurone Disease Association, handing out Easter eggs to children dressed as the Easter bunny and remaking his mobility scooter into a charity as he rode seven miles in seven days for charity.

His son added: "I think someone put it well that at his age, most would be going out quietly, but dad ironically had become louder than he had been throughout his life.

"He was totally devoted to raising money and awareness.

Worcester News: John Adams 'always had a smile on his face'.John Adams 'always had a smile on his face'. (Image: John Adams)"He kept going and brought so much joy to people's faces - it is amazing and we were all really involved as a family."

Mr Adams is survived by his two children, Paul Adams and Helen Millward, his sister Shelia Nash and five grandchildren.

Since the family revealed Mr Adams's death, an outpouring of sadness has been expressed across social media, with hundreds sharing their condolences worldwide. 

The family has received messages from people as far as New Zealand and America.

To donate to John Adam's fundraiser, click here.