WYRE Forest’s legal community has reacted with sadness following the death of a litigation lawyer who served the district for nearly 50 years.

John Foxall died, aged 63, early in November following a long battle with cancer.

Mr Foxall was the longest serving member of staff at Kidderminster law firm MFG Solicitors, where he was employed across the firm’s offices in Bewdley, Stourport and Kidderminster over a record 47-year career.

On top of his legal career, Mr Foxall, of Kidderminster, also played an extensive role within the local community.

Aside from his long involvement with the district’s Scout and Guide group, Mr Foxall was the founding member of Kidderminster’s award-winning Acting for Charity Theatre Group.

Led by Mr Foxall, the group raised over £20,000 for organisations such as Blakebrook Special School, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Whizz Kids and The Odell Trust.

A talented actor, he was also a member of Blakedown-based Theatre 282 and was widely known for his pantomime dame characters and comic timing.

Suzanne Lee, partner and head of the litigation department at MFG Solicitors in Kidderminster, said: “Aside from being the longest serving member of staff here at MFG Solicitors, John was a thoroughly respected litigation lawyer, who gave an outstanding level of service to his clients.

“Over the years John also received plaudits from across the region for his selfless charitable giving and fund-raising. His charity work was his passion and he helped a countless number of people through his determination and dedication. He was one of a kind.”

Mrs Lee added: “John will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

Nearly 200 mourners gathered to pay their respects to Mr Foxall at his funeral in St Ambrose RC Church in Kiddderminster. They included Mr Foxall’s family and representatives of the area’s legal firms and charities.