LOCHGELLY’S star charity cyclist, Andrew Greenhorn, has sadly died at the age of 79, after a long illness.

Andrew, popularly known in the town as ‘Zaw’, stayed in Ballingry Street for many years, and backed many good causes through his love of cycling, and even in his seventies he would rattle up the miles to raise money for good causes.

It did not matter what the weather was, Andrew would get out there to complete his task.

Among the causes that were close to his heart were Lymphoma and Leukaemia Research and CHAS, and over the years he raised more than £60,000 for both of them.

One of his efforts for CHAS in 2016 saw Andrew, and a team of 14 other cyclists, persuaded to take part by him, head from Lochgelly in atrocious weather conditions,

The 15 cyclists took on a 24 mile run, from Lochgelly to Milnathort and back, in driving rain but they made it and Andrew, was able to drop off a cheque for £7,088.87 for the Children's Hospice based at Kinross.

The then 74 year-old was warm in his praise for the cyclists who joined him that very wet Sunday.

Andrew spent years raising £48,000 for Lymphoma and Leukaemia research by taking part in a series of charity cycles from Kingussie.

Said Andrew then: "I spent seven years raising the money for the fund which backed research into leukaemia and lymphoma but when the event stopped through the retiral of the organisers, I decided to seek to raise funds for a new cause.

"CHAS seemed a really good cause, which is well backed by people in the Lochgelly area, and it was brilliant that 14 people chose to join me on what turned out to be a terribly wet day."

Andrew always praised the business community of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area for their backing and also individuals, who backed the fundraiser.

He added: "The businesses and people at home really backed the venture and I thank them warmly for their support.

"I would also like to thank the cyclists who did so well on a horrible day weather wise."

CHAS'S Rachel Cheer said that it was excellent how Andrew had managed to organise the fundraisers for the charity which runs the children’s hospice.

Over a spell of seven years Andrew cycled between Kingussie and Aviemore in Leukaemia and Lymphoma’s Scottish Bikeathon and realised £48,000 for the charity through going around the doors of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area and clubs and pubs of the district.

Shirley Nield, chairperson of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Badenoch and Strathspey, said of the Lochgelly veteran after one of his successful runs in the Highlands: “Andrew’s determination to raise £6,000 for the sixth time he took part was matched by the generosity and loyalty of the Fife folk who have been amazing supporters of the Scottish Bikeathon since it began twenty two years ago”

And Andrew said after one Bikeathon:“The people of Cowden-Gelly are brilliant as are the pubs and clubs, I cannot thank them enough for their backing.”

Away from fundraising Andrew began his working life at the Nellie Colliery in the town, then married wife Janet. He would also work in the building industry and for a time for the Co-op Funeral Service.

He was keen on football and while always a keen follower of the fortunes of Glasgow Rangers, he more recently became a supporter of Kelty Hearts as they moved from the juniors to the senior ranks.

He was also a keen member of Lochgelly Bowling Club and supported Lumphinnans Bowling Club also.

Andrew is survived by his daughter Lorraine and son Drew, who both looked up to their dad with such love, respect and admiration; daughter-in-law Tracey, who was always there for Andrew - grandchildren, Andrew, Ben, Lee and Avril, and great grandson, Jacob.

Andrew’s funeral will take place on Friday, at Lochgelly Cemetery, at 11am.