THE sister of a 74-year-old local legend who passed away suddenly earlier this year has paid tribute to her beloved brother.

Terry Titcombe from Wroughton contracted meningitis when he was three and doctors didn’t expect him to survive into adulthood.

After making a miraculous recovery at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Terry was left with brain damage which made him illiterate and gave him severe learning difficulties.

Despite these problems, Terry led a full and busy life, spreading joy to everyone he met with an infectious smile and cheerful wave.

He worked at the Dorcan post office and did volunteer work helping the elderly and sweeping leaves after he retired

His sister Pauline Jackson said: "He had a real energy and zest for life, he was so compassionate and community-spirited.

"Terry would go on day trips to Didcot and places like that on weekends by himself and make new friends.

"He was very sociable and people liked him because he made everyone feel special.

"He loved football and wildlife and he was fascinated with trains, planes radios, clocks and torches.

"He went to every repatriation at Royal Wootton Bassett and always went to the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

"When former Swindon Town FC player Don Rogers opened his sports shop, Terry would visit and chat about football for hours.

"We as a family are extremely grateful to everyone who shared their time with Terry, it meant a lot to him and to us to know that he was accepted."

Pauline also praised the staff at Lindum House on Bath Road who cared for Terry after he moved into the home in March 1973.

She added: “He was exceptionally well-looked after there, they were like a second family to him and knowing he was happy gave us great peace of mind.

The managers Claire and Nathan and his link workers Michael and Pauline were fantastic, they took him on trips and attended to all his medical needs, he loved living there."

Terry Titcombe died suddenly on January 26.- he is survived by his siblings Pauline, Shirley, Harry, Freda, and Michael.

His funeral will be held at Christ Church at 1pm on Wednesday February 28, followed by a service at the Crematorium at 2.30pm.

Terry's family will welcome any guests to the funeral or crematorium service, as long as they're wearing bright colours or football scarves.

Pauline added: “We want it to be a celebration of his life.

“Goodbye to our dear brother, you will be so greatly missed.

“We all loved you so much and were very proud of your achievements.”