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John was first president of Littleborough Lions

23/10/2007

JOHN Cummings, one of the founder members of Littleborough Lions, has died at his home in Florida.

Mr Cummings, who lived in Littleborough before retiring to the US, was instrumental in the formation of the charity fund-raising group in 1985 and went on to become its first president, accepting the club charter in May 1986.

Following a heart by-pass operation after his appointment, he spearheaded a drive involving groups from across Greater Manchester which raised £30,000 to build a bungalow in the grounds of Wythenshawe Hospital, where he had been treated.

He was joined by several members of the Littleborough branch at the official opening, when a Lions plaque was unveiled.

In 1999 he was presented with the first ever Club Certificate of Appreciation and he went on to become the first branch member to become a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award in the worldwide movement.

He moved to the States in the early 90s but continued to be a member of the Lions, taking the presidency of a group in Florida and also attended meetings whenever he was in the UK.

He is survived by wife Marjorie and sons Ian and Peter.

Lions member Derek Dudgeon said: "John wasn’t with the Lions for that long a time but he is the reason why the club exists today.

"He was a very outgoing man with lots of energy and he was really good at organising people and encouraging them to get involved."