A SINGER from York who raised thousands for charity in a career spanning six decades has died at the age of 71.

Joseph Carver, who was popularly known as Alan, died at St Leonard’s Hospice earlier this month following an 18-month battle with prostate cancer.

His wife of 13 years, Carmel, said her husband began singing with the “Ouse beat” bands of the 1960s, raising money for cancer charities – something he carried on doing until his death.

Speaking from the Clifton home the couple shared, Mrs Carver said: “He would go in every pub in York in the 1960s with all the bands. If he saw somebody with a drum kit and a guitar he would just say ‘that’s my note, count me in’ and away he would go.

“I met him at a wedding. I was helping out at the buffet and he was a guest there – that was about 21 years ago.”

As well as a long singing career, Mr Carver spent 44 years working at York’s Nestlé factory, eventually retiring in 2001.

On leaving the factory he became well known as “Big Al” for his music and general knowledge quizzes, which he hosted every week in The Old Grey Mare on Clifton Green. Mrs Carver said her husband loved spending time with his step-grandchildren, David, John, Grant and especially eight-year-old Harry.

She said: “We would take him on holidays with us and I think he bonded with Alan and made him feel young.

“I think that really helped him get through his illness.

“He never complained in front of others during his illness though I know he was in a lot of pain.”

Mrs Carver passed on her thanks to the Macmillan nurses, Marie Curie nurses, staff at Clifton Health Centre and at St Leonard’s Hospice, who she described as “fabulous people” for their help during her husband’s illness.

Mr Carver’s funeral will take place at 12.30pm in St Philip and St James Church, Clifton on Friday followed by a committal service at York Crematorium at 1.40pm. Donations may be given in the day to St Leonard’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Care.