DISABLED on Line founder Keith Turner, 68, died peacefully on August 22 after a sudden illness.

Mr Turner was born on the March 15, 1947 and grew up in East Knoyle with his brother Collin and sister Fran. He then spent the rest of his life living in Melksham.

Throughout his childhood he had a wide variety of interests and a talent for all things technological.

After leaving university, Mr Turner became a highly successful computer programmer and consultant. He loved his job and one of his many achievements was being involved in setting up the first ever computer system for the Sunday Times.

Unfortunately he was unable to continue working when, 26 years ago, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. He bravely fought it, with the support of his family, receiving not only chemotherapy and radiotherapy but also a bone marrow transplant. It was during his recovery that he discovered there wasn’t a local cancer support group in Melksham at that time.

True to character, Mr Turner didn’t let that stop him and instead created his own support group; helping other cancer sufferers and survivors to connect with and support one another.

It was in 2001 that he combined his love of technology with helping others and decided to become a volunteer at what was then known as the “Trowbridge Internet Café for Disabled People,” which originally operated out of Court Mills.

It was in 2004, when funding became more difficult, that Mr Turner, along with a small group of dedicated people, set up the café as a registered charity and Disabled on Line was born. This enabled it to widen its funding opportunities.

He later became a director.

From early on Trowbridge Town Council was a supporter and over the years Mr Turner received a number of civic certificates recognising both his work and the vital services Disabled on Line provided to people in real need.

One of the many wonderful things fondly remembered by many is that there was always something he planned to do next.

Following his leukaemia, he grabbed life by the horns. This led him to develop his interest in history and archaeology, and join the Trowbridge Archaeology Society, of which he later became chairman.

He leaves behind two sons, Ken and Justin, three grandchildren, Harrison, Ellis and Emily Rose; a sister Fran and her children and brother Collin, as well as his very close extended family and a wealth of very good friends.

A service of remembrance will be held at Semington tomorrow (September 5) at 11.30am. Family flowers only.

Donations should be made to Disabled on Line.