TRIBUTES have been paid to an "inspirational" Droitwich managing director who embarked on a selfless fundraising mission despite a gruelling fight against cancer.

Ivan Partridge, managing director for Italian manufacturing company Motovario in Droitwich, from Quarry Bank lost his brave battle for life on Good Friday (March 25) - just a week after being admitted to the Mary Stevens Hospice, which he had raised nearly £6,000 for in his final months.

The 55-year-old, father-of-three underwent life-changing facial surgery to try and beat the rare form of melanoma, and dedicated himself to raising as much as possible for the charity.

He first raked in around £2,000 for the charity after asking for donations instead of gifts at his wedding to long-time partner Yvonne last August - before undergoing extensive surgery to remove his left eye, jaw and teeth.

Then, despite developing secondary cancer just weeks later, he organised a charity night at The Laurels, Colley Gate, and raised a further £2,734.93 for the hospice - with donations continuing to flow in afterwards.

He was delighted to later present a cheque to the charity for £5,684.93 - but his condition again worsened and, with the cancer having spread to his spine, he lost the use of his legs and was admitted to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Ivan refused to give in and continued to send daily emails for work at the Droitwich firm from his hospital bed, while undergoing immunotherapy.

On March 18 he was admitted to Mary Stevens Hospice and he died a week later with his wife Yvonne by his side.

Diane Moore, the hospice's lottery and promotions manager, said: "This is an extremely sad end to an inspiring chapter in this brave, inspirational man's life. Ivan stared his own mortality in the face and fought his illness courageously and selflessly every step of the way."

Ivan's wife Yvonne said: "He was just amazing and I'm so proud of him. He's done so much good for so many people. Everybody loved him. He was a wonderful husband and a fantastic granddad, step-dad and dad."

To support the fundraising efforts by Ivan's close friend, Richard Stafford, will be taking on a charity bike ride from Land's End to John O'Groats in June to raise further cash for the hospice.

Richard, who hails from Stourbridge but now lives in Cheshire, paid a touching tribute to his long-time pal - saying he would be "hugely missed" but he would live forever in people's memories.

He added: "Ivan was one of the bravest and nicest people I have ever met, and I am truly proud to have been able to call him my very good friend."

He added: "Myself, all his family and friends and work colleagues at Motovario are going to give him a celebration to remember. He was an amazing guy who never gave up the fight, always believing he could beat it and raising funds right up until his last days."