A MUCH-respected fund-raiser who died after spending three years raising cash for scores of charities is to have a bench placed in the town centre in his honour.

Levi Walch, from Glenluce Drive, Fishwick, died suddenly after suffering a heart attack earlier this year.

Former army man and boxing champ Levi decided to convert a van into a portable gym complete with punchbag, in a bid to raise money for charity.

He created the Levi Punch Bag Appeal, which divided all funds raised between dozens of charities.

His specially-adapted van became a common sight on Preston's Flag market, where he would park up and spend hours hitting the punch bag without a break.

The van was also a crowd-puller at charity events and festivals. During his three years on the road, he raised thousands of pounds for charities including Christies and the Magic Million Appeal.

He died aged 65.

Now, in his honour, Preston Borough Council have given his grieving wife, Michelle, permission to place a bench near to the cenotaph in the town centre.

It will overlook Levi's pitch on the flag market.

She said: "I think it was the most appropriate thing to do. I think he would like the idea of people who knew him being able to sit on a bench so they can think about him and remember him."

Michelle added: "I am so very proud of everything he did. It is only right he should be remembered like this."

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