The widow of a man who lost a long battle with bowel cancer has paid tribute to her “incredible” husband. 

Tony Levy was diagnosed with the disease in 2006 and told in December 2010 he had six months to live.

Nearly four years later, on January 6, the father of four died peacefully, remaining courageous and cheerful right until the end.

Mr Levy was very active in the Beating Bowel Cancer community and his wife Tania said he was an “inspiration” to other sufferers of the disease.

The resident of Armstrong Close in Borehamwood added: “He was always cheerful, even when he was in great pain. He was told in December he had three weeks to live and asked the doctor if he could have three weeks in August instead.

“Even in the last week of his life he was cracking jokes about buying white feathers on eBay.

“He had the gift of making others feel positive. He was not frightened of death. To be able to laugh and joke when he had so little time was incredible.”

Mrs Levy said her husband had had “no regrets” and had made the most of his last seven years.

The former taxi driver was able to walk his daughter down the aisle, see the birth of his two grandchildren and celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary.

He spent his last few weeks in the Peace Hospice in Watford and Mrs Levy said the staff had been “wonderful”.

More than 500 people attended his funeral, which was held at the Western Synagogue Cemetery in Cheshunt, and 400 more attended prayers for him.

Mrs Levy said: “He died very peacefully and he is now in no more pain. It was lovely that so many people came to pay their respects to him.

“Our third grandchild is due in five weeks and the family is trying to be positive. It is what he would have wanted.”

In tribute to Mr Levy, Mark Flannagan who is chief executive of the Beating Bowel Cancer charity, said: “The loss of Tony Levy wasn’t unexpected – he battled long and hard against this foul disease – but our grief is not minimised by the fact we knew the inevitable would happen.

“Tony was a friend to Beating Bowel Cancer and a friend to many out there facing bowel cancer. 

"Despite his own problems, Tony always managed to personally contact those when they needed it most. A phone call from him was welcomed and left people feeling they too could beat bowel cancer in their own way, every day.

“Tony we know you are now peaceful – ‘playing a round of golf in heaven’ as Tania said.  Thank you for inspiring us all.”