Tributes are being paid to ‘Brent community champion’ Martin Redston, who has died at the age of 72.

The Willesden-based engineer was well known for being chairman of Brent Arts Council and an active campaigner on many issues.

He died on February 2 having been diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer, early in 2021.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Martin was a participant in art events including art shows held inside St.Catherine's Church, NeasdenMartin was a participant in art events including art shows held inside St.Catherine's Church, Neasden (Image: Family submitted)

He leaves behind wife of almost 50 years Sheila, who said: “Martin was generally known as an indefatigable campaigner and a kind and caring member of the community who could always be called upon to give a helping hand.”

The pair had two children, Michael and Jennifer, and three grandchildren.

Professionally, he founded his successful structural engineering consultancy business Martin Redston Associates in 1993 - but he will perhaps be best remembered for his community work.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Martin was known for his humour as well as his work ethic.Martin was known for his humour as well as his work ethic. (Image: Family submitted)

Councillors Tariq Dar, Aslam Choudry and Janice Long have all paid tribute to Martin’s passion - and his key role in saving the Willesden Old Library and Queensbury Public House.

Cllr Dar said: “He was a Brent community champion.”

Brent & Kilburn Times: Martin Redston said he'd have clearly seen a parking notice but it wasn't on the lampost and his car had also vanished when he returned hours later. Picture: Nathalie RaffrayMartin Redston said he'd have clearly seen a parking notice but it wasn't on the lampost and his car had also vanished when he returned hours later. Picture: Nathalie Raffray (Image: Archant)

A regular at Brent Connects meetings, Martin was particularly interested in developments and planning proposals affecting the local area, heritage issues, libraries, schools, trees and the environment.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Martin and wife Sheila had two children and three grandchildrenMartin and wife Sheila had two children and three grandchildren (Image: Family submitted)

He was also a keen promoter of theatre and arts throughout the borough, also acting as chairman of Madhatters Theatre Club. He was closely involved with the Stables Art Gallery, latterly the Stables in Exile, as well as the outdoor theatre in Gladstone Park.

Recently, Martin raised funds for a judicial review of the inaction over Dominic Cummings’s breach of lockdown rules in May 2020. The case was hard fought by government lawyers up to the Court of Appeal which blocked any further proceeding.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Martin played a key role in saving the Willesden Old Library and Queensbury Public House.Martin played a key role in saving the Willesden Old Library and Queensbury Public House. (Image: Family submitted)

Sheila added that Martin maintained an “optimistic outlook” during his illness and worked until December 2021.

She is looking to hold a celebratory memorial event in the early summer to provide everybody who knew Martin with the chance to pay respects. Sheila also hopes to have a bench dedicated to Martin in a nearby park.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Martin Redston launched a crowd funder to investigate Dominic Cummings.Martin Redston launched a crowd funder to investigate Dominic Cummings. (Image: Archant)

To add your voice to tributes online, visit martinredston.muchloved.com - where there is also a chance to donate to the work of Mesothelioma UK.

To pass a message of sympathy to Sheila, email stablesinexile@gmail.com