Robin Radley, the former editor of the Herald, who died last week at the age of 87, was a respected figure in both the media and charity sectors.

Born and raised in Finchley, Robin attended Christ’s College before starting his journalism career in Fleet Street.

He went on to serve as group editor at Farnham Castle Newspapers for 12 years from 1982 to 1994. During his tenure, Robin expanded the paper’s reach across Surrey and Hampshire, establishing himself as a key figure in local media.

Philanthropy was a constant theme throughout his life. Robin was an active advocate for charitable organisations including Save the Children, NSPCC, and Bells Piece. In 1994, after leaving the Herald, he became appeals director at the Treloar Trust, where he worked for several years.

Robin’s charitable work took on an international focus in the 1990s when he visited India with his wife, Janet.

Moved by the plight of orphaned children in Kerala, he founded the Children’s Homes in Kerala State (Chiks) charity in 1996. The charity provided care and education to children in the region, with Robin overseeing the development of several orphanages in southern India.

In Farnham, Robin was known for his involvement in local charity work, particularly through the Lions and Rotary Club. His efforts raised significant funds for projects in India, including a medical centre at one of the children’s homes.

Keith Harris of the Farnham Lions said Robin was a “true gentleman” who was “always thinking of others, always working to make their lives better, and always available to help anyone in need whatever the time of day.”

Tributes for Robin have also poured in from his colleagues.

Wendy Craig, former vice chairman of Tindle Newspapers, said, “Robin was a man with a very kind heart and was involved with everything in Farnham while he was the editor of the Herald newspaper. He will be remembered by so many people."

Sue Cansfield, Robin’s personal assistant in the 1980s, said he was “a kind and compassionate man whose main aim in life was to help others”.

“Apart from all his charitable endeavours, he had a gift for the written word and the ability to produce the most beautiful script,” she added.

Carl Obert, former sports editor at the Herald, recalled Robin’s professionalism.

“He was particularly good with snappy headlines and created clean, imaginative layouts for the broadsheet pages,” he said.

Beyond his work and charitable efforts, Robin was an avid sports fan who enjoyed playing tennis, watching Test match cricket, and supporting Arsenal Football Club. He also had a deep passion for art, teaching painting to his grandchildren and volunteering with the Alice Holt WI.

Robin, who lived in Rowledge, is survived by his wife Janet, his daughter Wendy, a retired nurse who lives in Guildford, his two stepdaughters and four grandchildren.

His legacy of kindness, both in the world of journalism and in his charitable work, will be remembered by all who knew him.