A CONVOY of taxis filled the streets of Northwich as cab drivers honoured an inspirational man described as ‘a gent and a true friend to many’.

More than 60 vehicles took part in the tribute to dad-of-two Shaun Wells, who lost his phenomenal battle with cancer on Sunday, July 28.

The 47-year-old, who co-owned Club Class Travel with friend and neighbour Nick Goulding, was diagnosed with stage four cancer in December 2010 and given just three months to live.

But Shaun, also a Lostock Gralam parish councillor, refused to give in to the disease and instead raised more than £10,000 for The Christie Hospital and Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM).

He raised the cash through a summer ball at Vale Royal Abbey, a battle of the bands at Witton Albion Football Club and a rally to Gibraltar.

Clr Emma Guy, vice chairman of Lostock Gralam Parish Council, said: “Shaun was a great character and one that will be missed by many.

“His Facebook on Sunday when he passed away was a true testament to the type of person he was; a gent and a true friend to many with great wit and charm.

“Personally I have known Shaun for about 10 years and he was the reason why I joined the parish council and why I volunteer at St Luke's Hospice; he had that influence on people.

“The courage of his fight against cancer was truly an inspiration to us all.

“Northwich mourns a true legend.”

The taxi convoy took place yesterday, Tuesday, before Shaun’s funeral, which took place at Toft Church.

A statement from Lostock Gralam Parish Council said: “Shaun will be remembered in Lostock Green as a very active parish councillor on Lostock Gralam Parish Council who fought tirelessly on many issues affected by Lostock Green and Lostock Gralam villages.

“He was a member of CHAIN, assisted with the Lostock Gralam Community Centre and installation of the play area at Stubbs Lane and Birches Lane amongst other things.

“He was civic minded and always interested in protecting the villages for the benefit of its residents.”

His family has asked for donations to be made to Cancer Research and Cheshire East Hospice.