A WOMAN is paying tribute to her beloved brother, who helped clear unexploded bombs from Foulness Island.

George Saunders was a true Leigh man at heart, living in the area for over half of his life.

During his early years, George attended West Leigh Infant School, was a member of the Scouts movement, and also completed a spell in the Sea Scouts, joining the Leigh detachment.

After this, he went to Belfairs High School for Boys, before completing his A-levels at Westcliff High School for Boys.

However, it was whilst studying a degree in geophysics at the University of Bath, that he took on the brave task to help clear Second World War bombs from Maplin Sands, which lies off Foulness in the borough of Rochford.

His sister, Frances Jobson, recalls how this was at a time when preliminary plans were being made for an airport to be built there.

The 70-year-old, from Rayleigh, said: “That was one of his student jobs, which he absolutely loved.

“He was always drawn back to Leigh, coming back after university and working as a geophysicist overseas, and would often sail his yacht down the River Crouch.

“Leigh was his home.”

Mr Saunders was also a member of the Morris Club, a group who people from Southend and surrounding areas who had a love for classic cars.

Before he died ages 67, George requested to have his ashes scattered off Bell Wharf. Frances continued: “My brother developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which is a serious post viral condition where you start to gradually lose your mobility.

“He was in Southend Hospital for at least a year, it was a really scary time – they didn’t know much about it at the time. He was then referred to a rehabilitation centre in Norwich.

“He remained in a wheelchair the rest of his life and was a true advocate for the disabled community there.

“He helped make sure the Boudicca Way trail between Norwich and Diss could be used by people in powered wheelchairs, was a founding member of the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People, co-chair of the Norwich Access Group, and for many years was a trustee of Norwich Shopmobility, who lend out powered wheelchairs and scooters in the city.

“He also campaigned for wheelchair accessible buses and advised on dropped kerbs around the area.”

Frances continued: “Although Norwich is where he passed, his heart was really always here, especially with the cliffs and Old Leigh.

“Sadly, he developed a lung infection which got worse because of his disability. He never recovered.

“We loved him dearly and miss his thoughtful nature, generosity and kindness.

"Having recently heard about a charity called Gain who recycle crisp bags of any size to raise money to help support those with Guillain-Barre syndrome, I'd ask anyone who can to visit their website."

www.gaincharity.org.uk.