A DEDICATED volunteer with Christian Aid has died of leukaemia at the age of 58.

Andrew McMahon was a member of the Horsforth CA Group and was the organiser of the Catholic Church's house to house collection for the last 35 years.

Despite his Leukaemia he continued to make preparations for this year's collection but died during Christian Aid week.

Mr McMahon took over the organisation of St Mary’s collecting team after the death of his father George, the previous organiser.

Each year since then he has dedicated at least three weeks to raising well over £1000 with the house to house collection, as well as himself collecting with the help of family in the Newlaithes area of Horsforth.

Hilary Taylor close long standing family friend, who worked along side him organising CA, said: "He was the first to admit that without the support of Cath his wife in getting the packs of envelopes out and then counting the collections when they came in, he would have struggled.

"Diagnosed less than a year ago with Leukaemia, Andrew refused to let the cancer stop him carrying out the activities he had committed himself to and managed the preparations for this year’s collection. In the end however he was defeated and could not complete the task. He died in Wheatfields on the last day of Christian Aid Week.

"He will be sorely missed not only for his energy and enthusiasm but for his determination to fight poverty and injustice."

Mr McMahon was a keen competitor in crown green bowling and also enjoyed watching Leeds Rhinos.

He leaves his wife Kath, his daughters Katie and Fiona, his mum Barbara and sister Catherine.

Mr McMahon's funeral will start at 2.45pm on Thursday, May 28 at St Mary's Church then on to Rawdon Crematorium.

His family are requesting that people don't wear all black but add a hint of colour. If they attended rugby with him they are asked to wear their rhinos shirt.