TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcycle made fundraiser who lost his battle with lung cancer.

Rowland Hickey, 59, was told the devastating news that he may only have six months left to live, having already fought throat cancer, died on October 11.

Mr Hickey previously appeared in this paper for his efforts to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and The Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

Following the news of his passing there was an outpouring of tributes to the father-of three.

His daughter Chelsea Hickey said: “He was such a sociable man, and that is evident from all the comments we have seen on social media.

“He was such a charming and gentle man, he was such a character and he really was a one of a kind man.”

Born in Surrey, Mr Hickey lived in the London for a number of years where he trained to be a chef as well as being involved in the London dance scene in the early 90s.

His career took him to work in places such as the Ritz, before opening his own restaurant for a number of years off of Carnaby Street.

Another huge passion for him was motorbikes, with him working on bikes from a young age with his twin brother Mervin and older brother Jim.

Chelsea added: “He is just always ridden bikes for as long as I can remember. It was a real family thing and it was something that he loved.”

He moved to Basingstoke in 2003 where he continued to work as a chef, and Chelsea said she remembers him taking her and her brothers swimming at the Leisure Park.

She added: “I remember a few days after my 18th birthday he wanted to take me to the bingo, and I thought it was going to be really boring.

“But I ended up really enjoying it and he loved it.

“He was just a fun person to around.”

Others posted tributes to Mr Hickey on social media with Jonathan Knight writing: “Sorry to hear such sad news he will be sadly missed. He was definitely one of the nicest guys you could ever meet RIP and you will never be forgotten.

Mark Davis added: “From all at the RF Owners Club we will miss a great guy and true friend to all that have met him.”

Mr Hickey’s funeral will be held on November 8 at the Basingstoke Crematorium, the family are asking for donations, in place of flowers, to Macmillian Cancer Support and Ark Cancer Centre Charity, as these are two charities that were very close to his heart.