A DECORATED soldier who supported disadvantaged children in Africa has died aged 75.

David Greenaway, of Samor Way, Didcot, reached the rank of Major in the Army was awarded the British Empire Medal for Gallantry for his work in bomb disposal.

In later life, the Didcot Rotarian launched a personal mission to help disadvantaged African children by supplying clothing, books and sports kits as well as finding sponsors for those whose parents could not afford to send them to school.

His work in Africa earned him a Rotary Champions for Change Award in 2014, which was presented by then Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

Friends, family and former Army comrades filled South Oxfordshire Crematorium near Abingdon on August 24 to pay tribute to Mr Greenaway’s many achievements.

Mr Greenaway was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1974 following his first tour of duty in Northern Ireland where he attended 84 incidents, which included dealing with 39 live explosive devices intended to kill.

He served in the Army for 40 years before leaving and taking on a retired officer role.

It was during this time that he became a magistrate, which he kept up until he was 70.

In 2008 he joined Didcot Rotary Club.

Mr Greenaway took on a personal mission to help disadvantaged children in Africa and built up a special relationship with Kamuli Mission Hospital and school in Uganda.

In addition to supplying much needed clothing, books and sports kit, he found sponsors for many children whose parents could not afford to send them to secondary school, which is not free in Uganda.

In 2014, his work in Africa earned him a Rotary Champions for Change Award.

In 2016, Didcot Rotary Club awarded Mr Greenaway the highest Rotary honour, a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship, for his years of service to the club.

The club said his practical skills, boundless energy and indefatigable sense of humour were invaluable, and that he will be sorely missed.

Friends said that Mr Greenaway took great pride in the achievements of his family and was thrilled to hear his grandson, William, would pursue a career in the armed forces.

Mr Greenaway died on August 16.

He is survived by his two children, Andrew and Karen, his five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His wife, Jean, died before him.