Tributes paid to Ludlow charity champion Jack

Jack Andow was a well-loved character around his home town of Ludlow, known for his tapestries of which he made more than 250 over the years.

During the past two decades the Royal Navy veteran fought multiple sclerosis and diabetes, and survived facial cancer, all of which left him wheelchair bound and with a prosthetic nose.

But those paying tribute remembered a man who was determined to look on the bright side and get on with his life, and help others to do the same.

Mr Andow, who still lived independently in Whitefriars sheltered accommodation off Sandpits Road, was awarded the British Empire Medal on behalf of the Queen by Lord Lieutenant Sir Algernon Heber-Percy in April last year, at which point he had raised £37,000 for a number of charities across Shropshire.

He recently became ill, developed pneumonia and died in intensive care in Shrewsbury Hospital this week.

Mr Andow was a champion for the disabled as one of those who helped get the South Shropshire Access Group up and running in its early years.

Vivienne Parry, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow South and chair of the access group, said: "He was a loyal member of the disability group and one of the first to join 20-odd years ago – he was a founding member.

"He never complained about his disability, he was such a lovely man and always went out of his way to do such a lot for other people.

"He was always so cheerful, even though it must have been a terrible anguish to have been diagnosed with MS and then have got cancer."

"He's one of those people that everybody liked. I have been talking to people today and he will be greatly missed."

Mr Andow took up embroidery when he was first diagnosed with MS in 1995.

He told the Shropshire Star last year: "When I had to use the wheelchair, I tried other things like woodwork which didn't work.

"Then I saw an advertisement for sewing classes and how to do tapestry. I signed up for it and really enjoyed it."

In June this year he was overjoyed to receive thanks from the Queen after he sent her his latest work for her to see for her 90th birthday

A letter written on Her Majesty's behalf by Lady in Waiting Susan Hussey said: "The Queen was sorry to learn of your health difficulties but very touched and heartened to know that, despite these challenges, you have created many tapestries raising funds for local charities and organisations."

Most recently, in September, Mr Andow created a work based on The Dingle in Shrewsbury for the League of Friends of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, which is still on display there, calling for people to make a donation and guess how many hours it took to make to win it.

Speaking at the time Mr Andow said it was great to be able to give something back.

He said: "They have been fantastic to me at the hospital.

"They gave me a new nose after I had it removed.

"I have had lots of treatment at Shrewsbury and I always feel like I get the silver service."

Sue Hurdiss organising secretary of the League of Friends said: "He was always very positive and enthusiastic and keen to raise money for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in recognition of the marvellous treatment he had received.

"He had hoped to raise up to £200 for the League of Friends by selling tickets to guess how many hours it taken him to complete the piece of work.

"After only one morning he managed to raise £44.00 which was a great achievement.

"We will continue to raise the money in his name over the coming months.

"On behalf of the League of Friends of the RSH we would like to send our sincere condolences to his family."