FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to the founder member of a Falmouth heart group, who passed away at the age of 80 last week.

Barry Mappley was very proud of his involvement of the Fal Fitta Tikka Group, which was formed to find the causes of heart problems, diagnose them and prevent them from other diseases.

With the help of Treliske Hospital's cardiac rehabilitation nurses, the Health Promotion Services' small grants scheme and LEAP Active, the group was formed to for former heart patients.

It provides them with the opportunity to engage in a supervised exercise routine and receive healthy living advice, following on from the British Heart Foundation's eight-week rehabilitation course.

Barry, from Falmouth, formed the group in September 2006 and its first rehabilitation exercise class, comprising nine members, took place at the Bosvale Community Centre.

He supervised the purchase of suitable exercise equipment and sought professional help to design exercise programmes that were fit for purpose.

Due to his dedication and enthusiasm, the membership quickly grew and before long, there were over 30 members. attending his Monday morning sessions.

The group is now in its 14th year and has gone from strength to strength.

Barry, who has two sons and a daughter, will be sorely missed.