A COMMUNITY champion with “infectious positivity” who helped shine a light on countless good causes in the town has died.

Tony Martin, Zurich Community Foundation’s UK volunteering manager, died on Monday following lung surgery. He celebrated his 61st birthday last month.

On Friday evening a spokesman for Zurich Community Foundation announced his death on social media, describing the announcement as “one of the hardest posts” they had ever had to make.

They said: “It is with an extremely heavy heart we share the very sad news that our dearest friend and colleague Tony Martin, UK volunteering manager, passed away suddenly in hospital on Monday following lung surgery.

“Tony was a much loved and treasured member of the team, known for his heart of gold. His smile lit up every room and his positivity was infectious.

"He touched many lives through his charity work across the UK and especially Wiltshire and Gloucestershire over many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.

“Tony Martin excelled at sharing the most important things in life, such as love and friendship, and will be fondly remembered by many as our very own ZCT Legend."

In 2014 Tony was honoured by then High Sheriff of Wiltshire William Wyldbore-Smith in recognition of his "outstanding" commitment to the work of Zurich Community Trust in promoting philanthropy and volunteering in the workplace and inspiring others to do the same.

Swindon 105.5 station manager Shirley Ludford spoke of a friendship with the former Headlands Comprehensive School pupil dating back almost a decade.

She said: “Tony was a true gent, with a big heart and a friend to many. We first met in 2008. He responded to a conversation on air when I talked with a former Swindon Advertiser editor about the need for awards recognising the achievements of Swindon people. The Pride of Swindon Awards were born.

“We worked together for nine years and were just planning the 10th. He often visited Swindon 105.5 and loved seeing young people develop.

"I will very much miss his smiling enthusiasm and his friendship.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland took to social media to pay his respects to Tony upon hearing of his death.

He said: “Tony was one of the good guys who always had a smile even when he faced tough times. A huge loss.”