Tributes have been paid to long-serving Hyde Rotarian Kevin Maddox, who has sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Kevin, 68, was a driving force in local Rotary for many years and was President of Hyde Rotary not just once, but twice, in 2008-09 and again for 2016-17.

He first joined Hyde Rotary in 2003 and went on to be presented with the Paul Harris Fellow recognition - the highest award in Rotary. Named in honour of Rotary’s founder, the Paul Harris Fellowship is given in recognition for selfless service to the organisation.

Kevin was Club Secretary and Community Services Chairman for the Hyde club on many occasions and oversaw the fundraising of literally many tens of thousands of pounds for good causes.

At a regional level for the north west he was an Assistant District Governor for Rotary (2017-20) and was due to become District Governor from July 2022.

Present Hyde Rotary President Barry Carey said: “Without doubt Kevin will be greatly missed.

“He was always heavily involved in raising money for Rotary causes locally and internationally.

“He especially enjoyed being involved in the annual Gee Cross Fete and was responsible for the entertainment in the marquee each year, sourcing a variety of  acts.

“Kevin really enjoyed supporting Willow Wood and The Christie, local mental health causes, food charities, plus assisting with Christmas parties for the elderly locally.”

In his Community Services Chairman role Kevin was actively involved in organising a range of social events, including the popular ‘Dragons Den’ - inviting local groups to pitch for Rotary funds, plus staging the ever popular Hyde Rotary Motown Evening and Last Night of the Proms.

Kevin as Father Christmas delivering presents to children at Oakdale special school - one of his favourite roles with Rotary.

He was also proudly involved in Hyde Rotary’s sponsorship of annual educational trips for different primary schools each year to the education centre at Petty Pool, and enjoyed accompanying the children there with the schools.

Kevin was project co-ordinator for Rotary’s local collection of shoes for Shoe Aid UK in 2020.

This saw all Rotary clubs in Tameside and Glossop collecting more than 1,000 pairs of shoes for adults and children which were subsequently distributed throughout the UK and the world for those most in need.

Despite lockdown Rotary continued to actively support those who needed it most - including Hyde Rotary - donating funds to local charities and food banks. Local Rotary clubs - including those across Tameside and Glossop - also donated huge sums to buy desperately needed PPE - another project in which Kevin was involved.

Kevin was a key member of the Hyde Rotary Christmas sleigh team, braving the elements on the tour of the town every year to bring much cheer and raise many thousands of pounds for Rotary.

Barry added: “The thing he liked best of all was dressing up as Santa each year and going into Oakdale Special School and distributing a present to each of the pupils - that was really his favourite event.”

Charities posted tributes with Infinity Initiatives stating: “Kevin was a true gent with a kind heart and a cracking sense of humour. He was always extremely supportive of our work at Infinity and we will miss him popping by or messaging with an idea to help people both locally and further afield.

“He was so proud of his many roles within the Rotary and always such good company at events. He has certainly left a huge hole but with it lasting memories and many legacies.”

Finding Rainbows added: “Kevin has supported so many charities and helped so many in our community and he will be very sadly missed.”

Reporter and Chronicle editor Nigel Skinner said: “Kevin’s passion was Rotary and before the pandemic he was a regular visitor to Tameside Radio, relaying all of Hyde Rotary’s news - he was so dedicated and proud to be able to help others. It was an absolute privilege to have known Kevin and he always made us so welcome at all of Rotary’s events - we will miss him enormously.”

Kevin passed away on July 6 and his funeral was held on July 26 at Dukinfield Crematorium.

Rather than flowers his family asked for donations to The Christie who have cared for Kevin in his battle with cancer over the last five years.

Kevin’s daughter Natasha said: “The Christie have been amazing over the past five years to my dad and us as a family, giving him all the support, care and treatment needed. Which allowed us as a family to continue making special memories.

“The staff at The Christie are amazing at what they do and we can’t  praise them enough.

“Dad would have wanted donations to The Christie, so they can continue helping more people and keep finding new treatments.”

A JustGiving page has been set up and donations can still be made to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevin-maddox21

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