DAVID Henstone, former president of Alcester Rotary Club and much loved member of the community, lost his fight against cancer last month. He was 59.

Mr Henstone was an active member of Alcester Baptist Church and Alcester Lions Club and throughout his time in the town, took part in many fund-raising activities.

One of the most notable was a bike ride from Alcester to Brighton to raise money for Water Aid, which he did with his wife, Rosemarie.

The couple, who moved to Derby in 1998, celebrated 28 years of marriage in September.

They have three children - Mark, Joanne and Alison - and six grandchildren.

Mr Henstone's career was in the bicycle industry and after achieving one of the first successful management buyouts, he spent 10 years managing his own company.

He was well known and respected in the industry and recently was president of the Bicycle Association of Great Britain.

He travelled all over the world on business but always put family first.

In August, he was told his acute myeloid leukaemia was terminal but in the words of Mrs Henstone, his: "encouraging strength of character and positivity gave the family strength to get through such a difficult time".

The family has set up a fund, Forget me Not, in his name to raise money for leukaemia research.

Donations from friends and industry are being collected for the Haematology Trust Fund at Derby Royal Infirmary.

Anyone who would like to contribute can call JP Springthorpe &Co, Funeral Directors, 17 Potter Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 1DW.