The family of a Land Rover enthusiast are hoping to place a memorial bench at Eastnor Castle in his name.

Tim Mackley, who took part in off-roading events at the castle every year, died last month following a battle with colon cancer.

Now his family are hoping to erect a permanent memorial for him in a place that holds special memories for them.

A GoFundMe page has been set up and at the time of writing, more than £1,100 had already been raised.

Mr Mackley was born in Ilford, Essex, and lived for years in mid-Wales with his family before moving to France with wife Angela a few years ago, where he started up his own Land Rover club for ex-pats.

Ledbury Reporter: Tim Mackley with wife AngelaTim Mackley with wife Angela (Image: Amy Mackley)

He also continued to ply his trade as a self-employed carpenter after moving abroad, having worked as a chef including at the Savoy Hotel in his younger years.

“Sadly we recently lost our amazing, courageous dad after a two-year battle with colon cancer,” said Mr Mackley’s daughter Amy.

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“Throughout dad’s journey, he showed nothing but strength, hope, perseverance and remained his stubborn, witty self. We feel so much pride as a family.

“We would firstly like to thank everyone for the kind messages and the huge support and love we have received. It has been heartwarming to learn how many people he has touched.”

'Eastnor is a special place for us'

“He was a huge Land Rover enthusiast and every year he would compete in an off-roading competition at Eastnor. We’d all go there as a family, it’s a very special place for us.

“Even prior to him being born, his parents would attend an annual off-roading competition there in Ledbury and he has attended every one since he was born.

Ledbury Reporter: Tim Mackley taking part in a Land Rover competitionTim Mackley taking part in a Land Rover competition (Image: Amy Mackley)

“In memory of our dad, we would like to raise money towards a memorial bench which we hope to be placed at Eastnor Castle, and a dedicated trophy for one of the next Land Rover competitions.”

As well as placing a bench, the family are also looking to celebrate the life of Mr Mackley at a ceremony in Ledbury, potentially in the spring.

Mr Mackley leaves behind his wife Angela and children Laura, Luke, Amy and Sam.

You can donate to the family’s fundraiser at https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-money-towards-a-memorial-at-eastnor-castle