A man who helped raise more than half a million pounds for good causes has passed away aged 85.

John Rutherford was an insurance broker, but will be remembered as the man behind the On Your Bike charity, which has just celebrated its 30th year.

John, known by colleagues as JR, served in the RAF and – after living in Scotland, South America and London – moved to Gravesend in 1973.

He soon joined the Rotary Club and threw himself into community work.

Retiring at the age of 60, John devoted a lot of his time to pursuing his love for history, and became a popular guide at Rochester Cathedral.

Dilly Singh, Rotary Club of Gravesend president, said: “JR was a well respected and popular member of our club, someone who enthusiastically gave of his time and energy to help both the local and worldwide communities.

“He will be long remembered and thanked by all those who benefit from the money raised by his efforts with On Your Bike, our sponsored cycle ride, and by those who never met him but whose lives were made better by his work for ShelterBox [a project providing emergency housing in Syria].

“He will be sorely missed” - Dilly Singh, Rotary Club President

The Rotary Club fundraisers got on their bikes for the first time in 1986, and over the past three decades they have raised more than £500,000 for Rotary charities, hospices, the air ambulance, Cancer Research and smaller charities.

In 2001, the keen fundraiser was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest honour that a Rotary Club can bestow, for service to local and international projects.

John leaves his wife, Audrey, sons, Alan and Ian, and grandchildren.

His funeral took place on Tuesday July 12, at Medway Crematorium, and was followed by a reception at Bridgewood Manor Hotel, which was attended by more than 70 people.