BARONESS Jan Royall of Blaisdon led the tributes to Bream health campaigner John Hale MBE, who has died aged 89.

John played an instrumental role in saving the Forest's hospitals in 2006 and dedicated his life to helping the community.

His daughter-in-law Jacky – a Methodist member – led the funeral service at a packed Springfield Methodist Church in Lydney last Friday.

John was rewarded publicly for the work he did for the community, receiving his MBE from Prince Charles.

Baroness Royall said: "John was a gentle giant who transformed the lives of thousands of people in the Forest community. He was a lifelong campaigner, ensuring Forest people got the best possible healthcare and he was never afraid to battle for what he believed to be right."

A railwayman by trade, John spent more than 20 years as secretary to the Bream Health Forum (now the Forest Health Forum). He was a governor of Bream CofE Primary School for 15 years and also served as a parish councillor.

He was awarded the MBE in 2008 for promoting health services in the Forest and his prominent role in the campaign to save both the Dilke and Lydney hospitals in 2006.

During this campaign he formed a formidable partnership with another of the Dean's health champions, Melville Watts OBE.

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week's edition of The Forester.