A PETERSFIELD man who drank ‘builders tea’ with Princess Diana and helped her organise charity events had a passion for supporting the less fortunate, says a friend.

Don Bailey MBE, of Lower Heyshott, died aged 84 on Sunday, April 16, and his life was celebrated at his daughters’ house in Steep on May 3 after a service at the Oaks Crematorium at Havant.

Don’s friend of 40 years, Kenneth Connolly said: “He had a natural empathy for other 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 bowler-hatted baked bean salesman.”

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 HRH Princess Diana of Wales, who died in 1997.

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

Among other events, the former army bandsman helped her put on a gala charity event 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 South Downs Probus Club in Petersfield, but Susan died in 2014.

Then by chance he become involved with the Fitzroy charity Rural Skills programme for those 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 was finished in December 2015. He funded a Christmas party opening, but illness prevented him going, and as a mark of their gratitude he was given a commemorative book about the project.

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