HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a “passionate” lifelong campaigner who championed equal rights and environmental issues, after he died from cancer.

Denis Champion-Walker was a “committed” member of the South East Essex Green Party for many years, following in the footsteps of his father, Green Party council candidate Peter Walker.

He was heavily involved in campaigns against the widening of Priory Cresent and Southend Airport expansion. He also stood as a candidate in Southend Council elections.

Sadly, Denis passed away just two days before his 45th birthday, following a two-year-long battle with skin cancer, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Echo: 'Committed' - Denis helped to establish the South East Essex Green Party.'Committed' - Denis helped to establish the South East Essex Green Party. (Image: Green Party)

Green Party council candidate Simon Cross led tributes to his “dear friend”.

He said: “Denis was very much the voice of reason. He was a very gentle and calm person.

“But he was also a very passionate activist, as well as a dear friend. Denis always knew the right way to get his views across.”

Denis was born in Southend on March 27, 1979.

In the final years of his life, he married his beloved husband Alex.

Echo: Denis (pictured right) campaigning with Simon Cross and other party members in Southend.Denis (pictured right) campaigning with Simon Cross and other party members in Southend. (Image: Green Party)

Richard Longstaff, Green Party councillor for Leigh, said: “Denis was instrumental in laying the groundwork for where the South East Essex Green Party is today.

“He was an avid campaigner and a key member of the group. It was only because of his failing health that he stepped down.

“Denis got married and moved to Nottinghamshire, to enjoy his final days in relative peace.

“He sadly lost his battle with cancer eventually, but it has still come as a shock to all of us.”

The Green Party of South East Essex also paid tribute to Denis in a statement.

Echo: Denis passed away following a battle with cancer.Denis passed away following a battle with cancer. (Image: Alex Champion-Walker)

A spokesman said: “Denis was a well-known and universally liked campaigner.

“He was a stalwart environmentalist, and we have all benefited from Denis’ knowledge, passion, humour, and humanity. Denis often joked that he was the local Green Party’s honorary art department, and we have all treasured his handmade gifts and cards.

“His energy, creativity, and level-headedness will be sorely missed.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to Denis’ husband Alex, his family, and those who knew him.”