FUNDRAISER Tony Davidge died peacefully surrounded by his family on August 8 aged 64.

Anthony Paul Charles Davidge was born on July 18, 1951 in Bath which is where he remained throughout his life.

Throughout his childhood, he attended Walcot nursery and later Bath Technical School along with his older sister Gillian.

After education, Mr Davidge worked as a tax officer and would often joke that it was a role that simply “came up at the time” which meant he could put his expertise of finances to good use.

He later worked for the Royal Mail for 34 years, making his way up the ranks from postman to a Postman Higher Grade (PHG).

He met his wife Anne on July 4, 1972 at the Keel Club in Bath and it was love at first sight.

After a blossoming romance, the pair got married on July 5, 1972 in Saviour's Church and the couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary just a few months ago.

A few years later after tying the knot, the couple bought their first home in Bath where they started their family with children Mark and Leanne.

It was 25 years ago that Mr Davidge was diagnosed with cancer in his kidneys and after undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy he was given the all clear.

Unfortunately in the years that followed, the cancer came back and he was later diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Despite his diagnosis, Mr Davidge remained upbeat and positive in spirits and he would never complain about his condition, often turning the negative into a positive by vowing to fundraise for the hospital which had cared for him so well.

In his last months, Mr Davidge pledged to fundraise for the Royal United Hospital’s cancer unit and he distributed more than 2,000 leaflets across Bath and Corsham, advertising the charity sale at Oriel Hall in Larkhall in May which raised £3,000.

It was through his charity work that he became well-known in Rudloe.

When the cancer spread further, Mr Davidge didn’t want to know how long he had left with his family so he spent every day like it was his last and savoured every moment he had with his loved ones.

During his last weeks, Mr Davidge and his family were supported by the staff at Dorothy House which will be the beneficiary of the next fundraising event at Rudloe Social Club on October 25 from 2pm. It will also be in memory of his late friend Reuben Rodgers.

Other than his family, Mr Davidge had two great loves in life – Liverpool FC and painting gnomes.

He would speak fondly of his painting as it would act as an escape from the troubles of his diagnosis. It is believed over the years he painted in the region of 3,000 gnomes.

Mr Davidge leaves his wife Anne, children Leanne and Mark and grandchildren Ellie, Jake, Bailey, Isla and Alisha.

His funeral has already taken place.