Friends and family of a popular former vet have paid tribute to his memory by supporting his favourite charity.
The donations, in lieu of flowers at the funeral of Mike Vadden, raised more than £2,000 for Castle Point Crossroads Young Carers Scheme.
Mr Vadden, 66, of Selbourne Road, Thundersley, ran his practice in High Road, Benfleet, for 40 years until ill health forced him to retire.
His widow, Lesley, 70, said: "He was diagnosed four years ago with prostate cancer and had to retire as he knew he would become more ill and you can't just walk away and leave a practice.
"We had to sell out and move and he joined the committee of the Young Carers because he felt he wanted to put something back into the community - not that he didn't when he was working.
"He would never charge when people brought him wild animals to treat."
Last August, Mr Vadden and friend Malcolm Spooner helped raise £3,000 for the Young Carers with their annual charity caper, a walk/sail race from Shoebury Boom to Two Tree Island, Leigh.
They challenged each other every year to see who could cover the distance first - Mr Vadden sailing or Mr Spooner walking.
Young Carers Scheme co-ordinator Polly Bartram said: "He was such a jolly chap. He was a big strong man with a big strong laugh and a great big heart."
Mr Vadden died suddenly of a heart attack the day after attending another charity event in October, a curry night in aid of the Young Carers.
Details of the funds raised for them following his funeral have only just been totted up and made known.
Published Wednesday, February 5, 2003
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