A fundraiser has launched following the tragic death of a Carshalton businessman who battled with motor neurone disease.

Mr Melvyn Clarke, of Melvyn Clarke’s Carshalton, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2020.

Popular and adored by many, the businessman leaves behind his wife, son, daughter and three grandsons.

One year and seven-days ago today, Mr Clarke received the devastating diagnosis of the disease which spiralled rapidly.

Your Local Guardian:

Mr Clarke's condition quickly developed, which mostly affected his speech, with his words slurring and overtime becoming impossible to understand.

The doting family man's mobility started to decline and he soon had difficulty finding his balance.

Mr Clarke's family said: "He suffered in silence, both due to his personality of being a strong, stoic man and also for the fact of being unable to communicate with us properly.

"By October we had one last big family holiday together for him to see his son get married.

"By January he had very little speech and by March he was unable to walk.

"By May he was unable to swallow which meant we entered his final stage as he chose not to prolong his life with artificial help.

"Broken-hearted as a family we could do nothing but stand back and watch as our brave, strong, husband/dad/grandfather slowly starve away until death gave him a peaceful release.

"Due to current restrictions, the funeral service will be for immediate family only.

"However, we will pause at the shop as a mark of respect on his final journey on June 24, at 12.30 pm.

"We are kindly asking that instead of any flowers, donations can be made in Melvyn's name to the Motor Neurone Disease Association."

Donations reached £2529 at the time of publishing.

To donate, visit at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/melvynclarke