A CHARITY fundraiser who collected over £100,000 for his chosen charities has died.

Ron Skinner, aged 81, and from Naunton Beauchamp raised money for MacMillan Cancer Support and the Midlands Air Ambulance throughout his life.

Mr Skinner was well-known around the country, with around 150 people attending his funeral.

He spent his whole life as a resident of Naunton Beauchamp and formerly served in the regimental police in the army.

Mr Skinner was a keen motorcyclist, earning him the nickname of "Skid Skinner" and he was also known as the "Pershore giant" whilst doing formula 1 stock car racing.

He also helped set up Radford Autograss Motor Racing Club, who hand out a trophy in his name each year.

Mr Skinner took a keen interest in steam and oil engines, attending steam rallies across the country.

His daughter, Kay Atkinson said: "I am very proud of my fathers achievements over the years and so are my siblings.

"He was a very likeable person and was very friendly, he made friends all over the country from his stock car racing days so people came from all over for the funeral.

"About 150 people attended the funeral and they could not all fit in the church, which is testament to what kind of person he was.

"We had to get a tannoy just so that everyone could hear what was being said."

Mr Skinner lost his life on November 27 after complications with past strokes and his diabetes.

He has five children, Kay aged 60, Ron aged 58, John aged 56, Gayner aged 54, and Richard aged 37 as well as 18 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

His funeral took place on Wednesday December 6 with donations made for the Midlands Air Ambulance.