A PETERSFIELD man who drank “builders tea” with Princess Diana and helped her organise charity events had a passion for supporting the less fortunate.

Don Bailey MBE, of Lower Heyshott died aged 84 on April 16 and on Wednesday, May 3, his life was celebrated at his daughter’s house in Steep after a service at Havant crematorium.

Don’s friend of 40 years, Kenneth Connolly said: “He had a natural empathy for people, and a real passion for helping those less fortunate.”

Don was born in Northumberland on September 19, 1932, and worked for a food company, describing himself as a “baked bean salesman in a bowler hat.”

But after major heart surgery he retired aged 52, devoting the rest of his life to raising funds for charity, and playing golf.

Fundraisers for the Spinal Injuries Trust and Stoke Mandeville Hospital attracted the attention of Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in 1997.

One of his memories was meeting her at the charity’s London office – a cabin, where they shared biscuits and “builders tea” in mugs.

Among other events, the former army bandsman helped her put on a gala charity evening in the London Palladium.

In 1959 he married Susan, and they moved to Petersfield in 2010 to be near their daughter, Jane, who lives at Steep, and their grandchildren, George (17) and Charlotte (14), both former Bedales pupils.

He joined the Petersfield South Downs Probus Club, but sadly Susan died in 2014.

Then, by chance, he become involved with the FitzRoy charity Rural Skills programme for people with learning difficulties, based in Hylton Road, Petersfield.

Kenneth said: “He saw them and their carers on a sunny day outside Waitrose, and bought them an ice cream each for a smile.”

He then began fundraising for an activity shelter at the Sustainability Centre at East Meon, which the group finished building in December 2015. He funded a Christmas party there, but illness prevented him going, and, as a mark of their gratitude, he was given a commemorative book.

“He was a kind, caring person who looked to see how he could help people, and will be terribly missed,” added Kenneth.