A Newton Abbot adventurer, campaigner, fundraiser and photographer has died at the age of 91.

John Blanchard at the wheel of the Austin 7
John Blanchard made the trip from John O' Groats to Land's End in an Austin 7 twice: in 1952 and again in 1998 (Contributed)

John Blanchard, who drove from John O’Groats to Land’s End (JOGLE) in an Austin 7 – twice - and serialised his adventures in the Mid Devon Advertiser, was well-known on the Newton Abbot charity scene.

He chaired the Newton Abbot Cancer Research UK committee for eleven years and raised over £250,000 during his tenure, £9,000 of which came from his second JOGLE trip.

John Blanchard celebrating his 65th birthday at Land's End
John Blanchard completed the drive from John O'Groats to Land's End on his 65th birthday (Contributed)

Family friend Linda Mitchell recalls her time with John on the Newton Abbot Cancer Research charity committee as ‘one of the most fulfilling times of my life’.

John Blanchard and members of the Newton Abbot Cancer Research UK committee
John raised £5,500 from his second JOGLE jaunt (Contributed)

John was also a committed campaigner and successfully halted plans for a housing development on fields at Wolborough in the 1980s.

Never a man to rest on his laurels, John was a key member of the Teign Cine Club where he taught budding filmmakers, including BBC producer and director Andrew Brooking.

‘John changed my life in pursuing my passion for film-making,’ said Andrew. ‘He set alight a fire in me at an early age and I still today, 30 years on, use the advice he gave me at the Cine Club and evening classes he took,’ he added.

In his spare time, he supplemented his income ensuring newlyweds would always remember their special day working as wedding videographer.

He was also an active member of the St Mary’s Church Wolborough community where he led church tours.

Through all his endeavours he was accompanied and supported by his devoted wife Jill.

John and Jill Blanchard on their wedding day: March 14 1959
John and Jill Blanchard on their wedding day: March 14 1959 (Contributed)

Hailing originally from Enfield, Essex, John met Jill when he took up a role as a chartered accountant in Truro. The couple moved to Newton Abbot in 1960.

Jill describes her energetic husband as her ‘rock’. And, despite his varied interests, she says ‘he always had time for everyone’.

Jill and John Blanchard
Jill and John Blanchard (Contributed)

John had a knack for inspiring others to participate in whatever project he was working on. ‘He would stand up and make wonderful speeches,’ Jill remembers. Young and old were always entertained when he was around with his magic tricks and humour.

John Blanchard
John was a born entertainer - equally happy in front of the camera or behind (Contributed)

John passed away in July and his funeral was held last month.