FRIENDS of a chef who dedicated the last months of his life to raising money for charity have described him as inspirational.

Donny Patel, from Stanway, died after a two-year battle with cancer, aged 33.

The former pupil at Colbayns High School, in Clacton, was the head chef at the Black Boy pub in Weeley before he became ill.

His friends and family, including dad Tony Patel and mother Ulfat Karwa, paid tribute him.

Tony, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “He was an inspiration to everybody.

“Even at the end, he kept saying: ‘Never look back, always look forward’.”

Do it for Donny

WHEN Donny found out he had an incurable cancer, he decided he wanted to raise money for the charities that had helped him.

He joined forces with school friend Richard Davies, 34, and the pair started a Facebook group, Do it For Donny.

They decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK and St Helena Hospice, as well as mental health charity Mind.

Richard is determined to keen the fund going, along with Donny’s family.

To find out more search Do it For Donny on Facebook.

Read the full story in today's Gazette.