Tributes have been paid to a "wonderful" man who was left "ravaged" by Covid-19 and passed away.

Alan Bell, who first lived in Hazlemere before moving to Totteridge, passed away on March 12 from Covid-related illnesses aged 73.

Both Alan and his wife Sue had tested positive for Covid-19 in January, but daughter Olivia said the illness hit her father much harder even though he was previously fit and healthy, and he tragically died at Stoke Mandeville Hospital ICU despite the best efforts of the NHS.

In memory of Alan, who was a talented signwriter and artist, daughters Olivia and Alice and some close friends will be walking 18 miles from their parents' Totteridge home to The Angel pub in Henley.

Alan did all of the signwriting for The Angel. He established his signwriting business back in 1979, working on Grand Prix tyres and signwriting vehicles, prestigious hotels, pubs, restaurants and churches over the years.

Describing her father, Olivia said: "Covid just ravaged him and he wasn’t strong enough to survive the devastating effects. He was an amazing man, full of life and had time for everyone he met. The best father, husband and grandfather who we all miss terribly."

On their fundraising page, Olivia and Alice wrote: "Daddy had spent just over a month in hospital and after being allowed home for three weeks he was readmitted before finally passing away.

"Our dad was a loving husband, father, father in law, grandfather, step-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He would always make time to speak to people and his smile would be a beacon of light to so many. He was never more at home than in the woods, going for walks or sipping a pint of real ale!

"He will be missed beyond measure and the place he leaves behind will never be filled.

He was a man who always thought of others and his last few weeks were no exception. He was so thankful and grateful to all the staff he met during his time in Stoke Mandeville hospital."

Paying tribute to the NHS, Alice and Olivia will be raising money for NHS Charities Together, adding: "We can probably never say how grateful and thankful we are for all the care that was given not only to our dad but also to our extended family during his illness. We have seen and experienced first hand the dedication of the staff of the NHS.

"Persevering through unprecedented times, sacrificing so much, and going above and beyond for the sake of others. This is our very small way to say thank you in memory of our amazing daddy."

So far, they have raised £1,936 but are hoping to reach their target of £5,000. To donate, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/AlanBellSponsoredWalk