A COMMUNITY champion described as 'generous' and 'passionate' by his family lost his battle against cancer this week.

John McAteer, 60, of Poplar Drive, Middlewich, died on Monday and will be sadly missed by his wife Ann and two children Kate and Nick, as well as friends and everyone who has benefited from his work in the town.

John, who had fought stomach cancer for more than a year, was especially well known for his involvement with Middlewich Town Football Club, where he was vice chairman.

Steve Morris, chairman of the club, said John has been the cornerstone for the club's development over the years.

Self-employed, John was also a consultant for local community development and his work took him all over the region.

He was a founder member of the annual folk and boat festival and helped to set up the Wych Centre.

His wife Ann said: "We want people to talk about John and what he achieved as he was involved in so many things in the community.

"He used the skills he learned through his job and put them to good use in the town.

"He was very passionate about everything he did and was very generous with his time and worked very hard.

"He cared so much about all sort of causes and things, but it was also his hobby and he enjoyed it all.

"He coped with the illness very well and he was a remarkable person."

Middlewich Town Clerk Jonathan Williams worked with John on various projects.

Jonathan said: "About 10 years ago we did a lot of work together on projects which was the forerunner of the work being done now through the healthcheck initiative.

"The legacy of that work is being continued and it would be a fitting tribute to John to carry on that work and deliver the ideas we have dreamed of over the years through the healthcheck.

"He was known for his energy and enthusiasm and had a real sense of fun."

l See page 96 for a full tribute from Middlewich Town Football Club.