A DEDICATED Blackburn charity fundraiser who leaves a 'great legacy' is to be honoured this weekend at a memorial service in the town.

Richard Walsh, who lived for many years in Gorse Road, Blackburn, died aged 89 at the end of May. He was a charity stalwart who helped raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

He had the honour of being chosen to receive Maundy money from the Queen at Blackburn Cathedral in 2014.

Mr Walsh was one of 88 men and the same number of women aged over 70 who were presented with the coins in recognition of their work in the church and the community.

Among the causes he supported were the Salvation Army, the British Heart Foundation and the Royal British Legion.

Helen Mason, the Royal British Legion’s community fundraiser for Lancashire, said: “We were all very saddened to hear of the death of Richard Walsh and the legion will be represented at his memorial service on Sunday.

“Richard has raised thousands of pounds in Blackburn over the years, money which has allowed us to help service personnel, veterans and their families live on to a more hopeful future.

“He leaves behind a great legacy in the town.”

Major Derek Jones of the Salvation Army, a former corps officer at Blackburn, said: “Richard was devoted to his wife and also to God.

“His passionate belief in the Salvation Army’s work led to him raising thousands of pounds for this ministry.

“He knew everyone in the town and did all he could to support and help people, pointing them to church and to the Salvation Army – he was a real witness for what it meant to be a Christian.

“Although he had no children of his own, he treated many as his family and I will long remember this spirited man as thoughtful, kind and generous and I am grateful to have known him.”

A friend said Mr Walsh was known to many in the town and had made many good friends.

Mr Walsh died peacefully from illnesses following a stroke in Barrow-in-Furness, where he had moved less than a year ago. His funeral was held in Barrow on June 8.

He was described as the 'much-loved husband of the late Stella, treasured friend to many and beloved uncle and great-uncle' and was said to have been 'resilient and good-humoured to the end'.

Mr Walsh will be remembered at a service on Sunday at the Salvation Army citadel on the corner of Salford and Vicar Street.

The service starts at 10.30am.