A former St Keverne fireman who raised thousands of pounds for charity has died after a short illness.

Brian Edwards died in hospital on Sunday having been rushed there the previous Saturday, suffering from pneumonia.

His son Ian said that although they had known how poorly Brian was, it still came as a “big shock” to his family and friends as he was showing signs of improvement the day before. He had enjoyed receiving many visitors and had been delighted to see his grandchildren.

Brian, who was in his early eighties, spent his life raising many thousands of pounds for various good causes and organisations.

When in St Keverne Fire Brigade he was benevolent officer, arranging fundraising concerts and introducing Cornwall's top choirs on first visits to St Keverne.

Music was always a big part of his life and he was bass drummer for Constantine Band, playing seven times overseas in France, Holland and Germany. He was also bass drummer for St Keverne, as well as supporters’ club chairman in the 1980s, and was a keen supporter and follower of St Keverne Male Voice Choir.

Precious Lives, Cornwall Blind Association, the Royal British Legion, Royal Air Force Association and St Keverne Church Hall were among the charities that he supported through fundraising events.

He was Poppy Appeal organiser for the St Keverne branch of the Royal British Legion for numerous years until he had a severe stroke in 2011. In his last year as organiser he helped raise a record £5,000 plus for the appeal.

Aside from his family, football was Brian’s other big passion.

As a playing footballer he was a goalkeeper of some standard, having played for Helston, St Keverne and Mawgan, winning league titles and cups with each.

After hanging up his boots he formed the successful St Keverne Under 16 side of the late 1960s and early 70s, and managed and was involved with local teams including St Keverne – where he also set up a reserve team – Ruan Minor and Mawgan, winning cups and league titles with each.

At 18 Brian joined the RAF as a teleprinter operator, receiving training at Bletchley Park, before being deployed to Egypt during the Suez Crises during the 1950s.

On leaving the RAF he returned to market gardening – which he had worked in previously – before enjoying successful careers with Kleeneze and various insurance companies. Retiring from insurance he worked for 17 years at Poldhu Nursing and Residential Home.

Brian leaves his wife Elaine, with whom he celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary back in January, as well as son Ian, daughter in law Gill and grandchildren Rebecca and Sarah.

Ian said: “Dad was such a genuine and helpful man, always looking out and helping his family and of course supporting many good causes and helping others without thought of reward.”

Details of his funeral service will be known shortly.