Banbury Mayor Tony Mepham led tributes to Paul describing him as a great friend to the town.

Chamber of commerce president Chris White said: “Paul was larger than life, very kind and very thoughtful. More than anything I loved his enthusiasm and his smile which got everyone motivated.

“He raised lots of money for Macmillan Cancer Relief and helped people with learning disabilities because he really cared and wanted to put something back.

“On a personal level you could really talk to Paul. He was very interested in you, very thoughtful and considered in what he said. He could be very forthright, but was always genuine. “He had the most positive attitide to his cancer, grabbed it by the horns and got on with it. He wanted to live life to the full.” Shaun Jardine of Brethertons founded the influential Banbury Business Breakfast Club where Paul was a regular. He said: “Paul was a special person. He was one of the first to volunteer to help any cause, be it arranging a big fundraising project or standing outside a supermarket for an hour to help out on a flag-day collection.

“He could relate to everyone. He could see the best in everyone. Those who met him liked him for his sense of humour, kindness and his ability to listen.”

Fellow Rotarian Bernard Goodchild said: “Paul became a friend I was very fond of. Even though he had a lot to deal with in his last few years he was always there, even after a busy day, for whatever was being done, a carol service, tin rattling or helping out at the Gateway Club.

“He organised three cyclathons to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief and did a tremendous amount to help other people. He was energised morning, noon and night and gave his utmost all the time.

“He was determined, committed and immensely popular. Rotarians with one voice said how great he was and how bravely he had maintained that courage to the end.

“Paul did have a soft vulnerable spot inside and needed the reassurance of people’s approval. He wanted to feel he had made a contribution in life and he had.”

Friend Shaun Jardine said: “Three-and-a-half years ago Paul was told he had six months to live. We asked what did he want to do that he had not done. He told us he had never been to Dublin, to Landsdown Road to watch rugby, never been skiing and never been stoned, “So we took our sick friend to Dublin where we watched a glorious match, USA v Dublin, Courcheval where Paul skied slowly down a mountain and Amsterdam where remaining ambitions were satisfied. “Paul was a great bloke, was a fitness freak and did loads of work for charity including masses for Macmillan since he was diagnosed with cancer. The Lardies have decided we should do something as a tribute to him hence the cycle challenge. He’s our motivation. He was part of the Lardies.”

The Lardies taking up the tour are Shaun, 41, of Clifton, Dave Walley, 39, from Banbury, Steve Long, 40, of Bloxham, Brian Auld, 45, of Bloxham, John Cochrane, 42, of Bodicote, Toby Bonner-Davies, 38, of Banbury and Clive Hawkins, 39, of Bloxham. The men are to embark on the seven day cycle ride along the famous Egyptian waterway in October and hope to raise at least £50,000. And to add to the challenge they are looking for a three person bicycle which they plan to take turns at riding and use to get as much publicity for the cause as possible. Shaun said: “We’re hoping someone will give us one or make one for us. Everyone can have a go and when they’re not on it they can ride their normal bike.

“Any event we can highjack to collect money, we’ll be there. “Dave Walley is the managing director of Arena Event Services which supplies seating for pop concerts and all major sporting events so we can get into anything. We are hoping to ride the bike around Silverstone on the day of the British Grand Prix. “F1 racing drivers Jonathan Palmer and Johnny Herbert and European golfers have agreed to be photographed on the bike, as have Bananarama, Andrew Ridgley of Wham and George Michael.”