A SERVICE to celebrate the life of John Myers will take place at Carlisle Cathedral this Saturday.

The former Border TV and CFM presenter died of a suspected heart attack at Gleneagles golf course on June 1. He was 60.

News of John’s death prompted a huge outpouring of affection from Cumbrians who remember him on TV and radio. John later became a radio executive who launched stations around the UK.

He was married to Linda for 36 years. They had two children, Kerry and Scott, and two grandchildren, Marcus and Mia. The family has organised this Saturday’s service, which begins at 11am. All are welcome. Family flowers only by request.

John was brought up on Carlisle’s Harraby and Belah estates. He became a DJ in city pubs and clubs before working at BBC Radio Cumbria. In the 1980s he became a hugely popular continuity announcer on Border TV.

Returning to radio, John moved into management and in 1993 was part of the team which launched north Cumbria’s first commercial radio station, CFM.

In 2009 the Government asked John to write a report about commercial radio. The BBC then asked him to advise on its radio stations.

John was an honorary fellow of the University of Cumbria. He remained part of local life in other ways, hosting the Carlisle Living awards, The Cumberland News Community Heroes Awards and the News & Star pensioners’ Christmas concert.

In January last year he was diagnosed with throat cancer. After four months of treatment he was given the all clear. His death so soon afterwards is another reason for the wave of shock and sadness.

There will be a collection at Saturday’s service for the Northern Head and Neck Cancer Charity, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, and Carlisle Cathedral. A memorial service for John will be held in London at a later date.