TRIBUTES have been paid to a grandfather who spent his retirement delivering emergency medical supplies after he died following a battle with cancer.
Rob Richards, 70, from Writtle, volunteered for Essex Blood Runners, an organisation which transports blood, drugs and donor organs between hospitals in Essex and the south east.
Mr Richards spent three years delivering vital supplies on his Honda Deauville motorbike. He was diagnosed with bone cancer in May last year, but continued his work with the Blood Runners right up until his death last week.
His son, Steve, 30, said: "He was massively into his motorcycles; he was always out tinkering with his bike and blood running whenever he could.
"By blood running he felt he was giving something back. He used to take part in Essex Air Ambulance charity runs and the next step for him was to start blood running as soon as he retired.
"It was something he had always wanted to do, he was always doing something to help other people; he was a very selfless man and an all-round nice guy.
"He wanted to do as much as he could, it's a great loss to everybody and seeing the reaction on Facebook you start to realise how many people were touched by him."
Before his retirement, Mr Richards worked for the same construction company for 38 years, eventually becoming an area manager at the firm.
"In 38 years working at the same company he only had half a day off. He just got on with it and battled until his last day, he didn't complain once," said Steve.
"He was going right up until the week before he passed. He wouldn't let anything get him down, he didn't want to let his illness get the better of him."
Essex Blood Runners co-ordinator Carol Peacock said: "Rob went above and beyond the call of duty. Any time we needed someone in a hurry, Rob was always willing to go out and help others. He did as much as any of our volunteers.
"He was always just a phone call away. Rob was like having the dad I never had; you could talk to him about anything.
"Rob was always helping me to find new members and he will be a great loss. All my blood runners are close to my heart, but Rob especially so. We will struggle without him."
When he attended events with the Blood Runners, Mr Richards would often bring his old Triumph motorbike as a way to raise interest in their cause, now son Steve plans to do the same.
"Everything that dad enjoyed was focused around motorcycles, now I want to do my bit and carry on what dad did and keep using his bike as a showpiece at Blood Runners events," he said.
Mr Richards' funeral will be held at the Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium on Wednesday, June 19.
People are asked to make donations to Essex Blood Runners rather than bring floral tributes.
Essex Blood Runners are always looking for both volunteers and donations.
To find out how you can help, call 07581 471859.
