A former Grand Prix sidecar champion and long-term hospice supporter has died following a battle with long-term illness.

Colin Seeley from Sidcup died at the age of 84, on January 7.

Described as "warm-hearted", Colin had been a friend of the hospice for most of its 25 years of operation.

He founded ‘The Joan Seeley Pain Relief Memorial Trust' in 1979, in memory of his first wife.

Over the years, the trust has brought in a monumental amount of funds seeing more than £50,000 going to Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.

The money has helped the hospice tremendously as they provide end of life care to around 2500 people.

Generously, Colin also supported a great number of hospitals and hospices worldwide totalling to £225,000 in donations.

Colin was described as a man of many traits who was, outside of the trust, known to be a legend in the motorcycling world.

Between 1961 and 1966 Colin raced in the British and world championship sidecar competitions and won the 1964 Dutch TT.

After retiring from competition, Colin successfully designed and manufactured his own racing bike frames, with many becoming classics.

Hospice Chief Executive, Kate Heaps said: “Colin was always keen to visit the Hospice with his second wife Eva to meet patients and the staff who would be using equipment purchased by the trust so that he could understand the difference it would make.

“He also liked to tell a few stories of his own too and was such a kind and generous man.

“Only a few months ago, despite Colin’s failing health, Colin and Eva attended a fundraising dinner for the Hospice and donated an auction prize.

“Both were such kind and consistent supporters and have helped so many.

“The Hospice community and I will miss Colin’s support enormously.

“Eva and the rest of his family should feel exceptionally proud of all he achieved.

“Our thoughts go out to them at this very sad time."

Colin's funeral will take place at the beginning of next month.