A POPULAR Weymouth man who campaigned for cancer awareness will continue to save lives after his death, his son said.

Andy Cox launched his 'don't be an idiot like me' campaign after being diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer last year.

The father of two and grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep aged 72 at his home on Carlton Road North on June 27. His funeral will be held at the end of this month.

Brave Mr Cox, a taxi driver in Weymouth for 17 years, made headlines when he spoke out to urge people to get tested - branding himself "an idiot" for ignoring tests.

"I put it off," Mr Cox said at the time. "You think you're invincible. They sent me tests in the post but I binned them."

Paying tribute, his son Ellis said his father's selfless efforts resulted in many people getting tested for cancer, and described his father as "a kind caring and genuine man".

"People got contact to say they'd taken a test after seeing my dad in the news", Ellis Cox said.

"His campaign was so successful, he was recognised for it and stopped in the street where ever he went.

"I definitely reckon he saved lives."

Ellis said his father maintained his cheerful outlook throughout his treatment. "He would always try to get other patients to see the positive and help them - it's just who he was", he added.

Andy Cox was born in Oxfordshire and moved to Weymouth in 2001. He worked as a driver for AB taxis - now Weyline - as well as Fleetline, and was an active member of the community - fishing and gardening were among his many hobbies.

Ellis said his father spent most days at Radipole Lake where he was a fishing bailiff, and was famed for his immaculate garden and hanging baskets, often gifting plants to friends.

He lived with wife Nina and the couple also had a daughter, Kellie, and granddaughter Thea.

The family will continue Andy's fundraising for Macmillan and Poole hospital children’s cancer service, including a cycle ride covering the distance from Weymouth to Lands' End.

Andy Cox's funeral will be held at Weymouth Crematorium on Wednesday July 31 at 2.30pm, followed by a wake at the Marquis of Granby from 3.15pm.

To find out more about cancer screening visit www.nhs.uk