A POPULAR bank manager and great grandfather who raised thousands of pounds for people in the developing world has died aged 87.

John Glynn, of The Vale, in Woodford Green, leaves behind six children, 14 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, after dying from a stroke on Thursday (September 10).

A committed Christian, Mr Glynn devoted much of his free time to raising money for Catholic charity Cafod - which provides aid and support for poverty-stricken communities overseas.

Mr Glynn was a popular member of the congregation at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic church in Wanstead - where he attended mass daily after moving with his family to a flat above Barclays Bank in the High Street in 1949.

He went on to manage the bank's Upton Park branch before retiring in 1980.

His son, Rev John Glynn, said his father remained an active fund-raiser after the death of his beloved wife Monica in 1992 - and even found time to develop his love of woodworking.

He said: "He helped raise money for the new pastoral centre at the church, and was always supporting Cafod's work.

"He joined the RAF during the war but couldn't become a pilot because he was colour blind and so became a flight sergeant and PE instructor in India.

"I'm sure this experience played a part in his interest in the developing world.

"He lived for 13 years above the bank in the High Street then moved to Eagle Lane in Snaresbrook, where he lived until 1995.

"He loved living in this area, particularly with Epping Forest so close by.

"He was a dab hand at carpentry and even did a boat building course in Lowestoft which he loved.

"He will be dearly missed."

Mr Glynn's funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes at 10.30am on Thursday, September 24.

His body will then be laid to rest at the City of London Cemetery in Aldersbrook at 12.15pm.

His family has asked that mourners do not bring flowers, but instead make a contribution to Cafod in his memory.

For more details visit: cafod.org.uk.