David Thomas Baker, a man who dedicated his life to helping others, died at the RUH following a leukaemia diagnosis, a month after being diagnosed, on August 1, aged 77.

The avid gardener, called Bakes by his loving wife, Pat, was born in Tottenham, London, on November 4 1941.

As a young man, he had ambitions of becoming a professional footballer, and almost lived his dream as he played in goal for Tottenham Hotspur under 21s, which he had to stop because of family reasons.

Mr Baker started his career as store manager at a Somerfield shop, and then became a training manager at the supermarket chain.

From there, he started up a management consultancy firm, Imago, with his business partner.

The firm worked with very large catering and oil companies, proving the success of his venture.

As his business partner retired, Mr Baker started up Labyrinth Training with his wife Pat.

At this point, he would start his work that would help so many young people.

The training was particularly for children who struggled to communicate with others, and he aimed to help them get jobs in the future.

Mrs Baker said: "The things he did for those children was incredible.

"He had such an impact on people, and he didn't realise the impact he had."

Mr and Mrs Baker met over the phone while working for the same company.

She laughed as she remembered letting him take her out on a date after standing her up the first time.

Four months after the date, the couple were married at Hatfield registry office on March 22, 1974.

Mr Baker leaves behind two children, Jane and Paul, and four grandchildren.

One of Pat's fond memories of the two of them was when they spent their 40th wedding anniversary together in London and visited Ronnie Scott's jazz club.

Mr Baker also was the first person to be the president of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce for four consecutive years, one of his greatest achievements being the introduction of Service Excellence Awards.

Until his last day, Mr Baker was director of GoFish, which helped young people enter the world of work.

A funeral service will be held at 2.30pm on August 20 at West Wiltshire Crematorium, followed by a wake at Trowbridge Rugby Club.