ONE of Thurrock's most recognisable, much-loved and admired fundraisers died peacefully today (Wednesday, 16 August).

Stan Wall, 96, from Chadwell St Mary has been raising cash for various charitable organisations since the death of his wife June in 2006.

He was perhaps best known for his participation, over many years, in the Thurrock Cycle Marathon where he rode for the Help For Heroes charity – for whom he raised more than £178,000.

But he also helped many other great local causes and was so well-respected and loved that he was nominated for the national 'Pride of Britain' award in 2017 and came runner-up.

Stan's association with the armed forces goes back to the end of the Second World War. Though he missed the actual conflict due to his youth, he enlisted to serve in the aftermath – lying about his age and signing up even through he was only 15.

He served in the Queen's Regiment, based in Colchester, though he saw active duty in Egypt.

Following the war he met and married June, and the couple's heritage now takes the form of more than 50 direct descendants, including grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.

Many members of that extended family were present as he died peacefully in this sleep in the early hours of this morning.

June had passed away at St Luke's Hospice, and it became one of the many charities that Stan supported in the ensuing years.

Stan with one of the many awards he received from the Rotary Club of Mar Dyke Valley

He also raised significant amounts for the Essex Air Ambulance and other groups – often simply by taking time out to knock on local doors and plead the cause for the charities in need. Few could resist his genuine charm and modesty.

Over many years he was a stalwart of the Rotary Club of Mardyke Valley's Thurrock Cycle Marathon – braving all weathers and the hills and sometimes rocky roads of rural Thurrock to pedal his way around the course on his bike bedecked in the colours of the union flag.

On occasion he fell and suffered wounds - but however bloodied and bruised he might have been, he always completed the course.

This evening, at their weekly meeting, members of the Rotary Club raised a toast in memory of the remarkable man.

Club secretary Graham Dockrill told Nub News: "We will not see the like of Stan again. He was, quite simply a hero.

"Nothing would defeat him, he showed an indomitable spirit. It wasn't just the day of the ride, for weeks beforehand he would walk the streets of Grays and Chadwell, knocking on doors, visiting businesses and espousing the cause he was riding for.

"He may well have been promoting other heroes – but he was the genuine article himself."

Thurrock Nub News editor Neil Speight also paid tribute, saying: "In the many years of living and working in Thurrock, I have met many wonderful, charismatic and dedicated people.

Stan Wall - a true hero on two wheels!

"The cycle marathon, which I have taken part in and helped organise over almost two decades, has frequently revived my spirits and showed me the true spirit of humanity and selflessness.

"A previous giant of the event, raising money for Marie Curie, was the late, great Rudy Weeber, another who pedalled his way into the hearts and minds of this borough.

"When he passed, the mantle of greatness passed to Stan. Both men came from Chadwell St Mary and that community can rightly be proud of two absolute heroes.

"Tonight, our community is poorer for the passing of Stan, but all the richer for his many contributions over the years.

"I offer my condolences to his extended family but I know, when the day comes that he is laid to rest, they will have immense pride in the life a true gentleman and the epitome of the ethos and standards he lived by.

"He really was a hero - even though he would have been the first to deny it!"