A well-known former agency and broadcast journalist has lost his battle with prostate cancer aged 62.

After staring his journalism career with the Essex Chronicle, Phil Baldy, left, worked for many years for Derby-based agency Raymonds as well as Radio Derby and Derbyshire County Council as press officer and PR director.

He also spent many years doing PR and fundraising work for various charities including the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Prostate Cancer Charity and neurological charity the Dystonia Society.

Phil lived in Brassington, near Matlock, until about ten years ago when he moved to London.

Daughter Kate told the Derby Telegraph: “Dad was always cheerful, jolly and was very kind. He was incredibly kind-hearted.

“He had many friends and was an amazing dad. He was a devoted Derby County fan – when both my brother and I were born we were signed up as junior Rams straight away.

“He would follow the progress of the club avidly and when he lived in Derbyshire he would always be at the matches.”

Phil, who died last week, had also previously worked closely with former Derbyshire County Council leader David Bookbinder on his successful bid to persuade Toyota to build its new factory near Derby.

He said: “I have known Phil for the best part of 35 years. He was very strong-willed in a very quiet way, as he was such a mild-mannered man.

“We shared an obsession with football, but top of his agenda was his family, particularly his children. I am proud to be able to call him my friend.”

Comments

Sharon Catttermole (23/12/2009 09:11:06)
As a member of the Essex dystonia support group I was in contact with Phil, in my role as communications officer for the group. He was a very jolly, helpful man whose encouragement helped my interest in journalism. My condolences go to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed.