EXMOOR legend Ivan Huxtable, who raised more than £250,000 for charity and who died of cancer in May, will be remembered this Christmas through North Devon Hospice’s ‘Light Up a Life’ appeal.

The 80-year-old former agricultural engineer was cared for in his final months by the hospice for which he had become a legendary fundraiser organising a total of 30 annual Exmoor Rambles - a sporting and social highlight of the year.

Last year, although seriously ill, Ivan not only organised the event but walked the route over several days, helping to raise over £15,000 for the hospice.

Ivan’s sons, Brian and Paul Huxtable, will be spending their first Christmas without their dad - ‘Pops’ as he was affectionately known. But they will be remembering him through the hospice’s annual ‘Light Up a Life’ appeal. ‘Light Up a Life’ is a chance for local people to remember those they love in the run-up to Christmas.  

Organised jointly by North Devon Hospice and Children’s Hospice South West, people can make a donation to the appeal in memory of someone who is no longer with us.

There is also a series of services in December for people to attend and light a candle for those they miss. 

After Ivan spent his final days in the hospice, his son Brian said: “I can now see why raising money for the hospice was so important to Pops. It is an incredible place. All of us were looked after and we were able to spend precious time together, knowing he wasn’t in pain.” 

Brian added: “This Christmas will be difficult for all of us, because it’ll be the first one without Pops, and he was such a big personality and figurehead in our family.

“I think ‘Light Up a Life’ is a brilliant way to honour the memory of people who we wish could be with us at Christmas time. It makes you realise that you’re not alone in missing someone at this time of year, and that it’s ok to miss the people we love.” 

Ali Hunt, from the hospice, said: “I knew Ivan for over 20 years and you couldn’t wish to meet a nicer man who had such a sharp wit and the most generous spirit.

“What he did for charity over the years, most notably the hospice, is simply incredible. Every person who took part in the Exmoor Ramble was helping local families receive the same care and support as Ivan did in his final months, weeks and days.”

To donate online, visit www.lual.co.uk