Tributes paid to 'brilliant' journalist whose stories appeared in local media including Express & Star
Tributes have been paid to a "brilliant" journalist who has died weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
George Makin worked for the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter scheme, whose stories would regularly appear in the Express & Star along with Birmingham Live where he was based.
George first revealed his terminal diagnosis in April, aged 62, four days after he received his first coronavirus vaccine.
He covered council meetings at Dudley and Sandwell during his time as an LDR reporter, providing regular updates to readers on matters within the local authorities.
Paying tribute to him, Birmingham Live editor Graeme Brown tweeted: "I’m sad to say our brilliant reporter George Makin has passed away. He was a great journalist and an even better man.
"His work will be immortalised with an award in his name given to talented young LDRs. RIP George – forever in the thoughts of everyone at Birmingham Live."
Before George was an LDR reporter, he worked in a variety of media roles, including a reporter on the Walsall Advertiser during a 10 year stint. He also worked as a freelance photographer and in public relations.
Following his diagnosis two months ago, George was being treated in a hospice but went back home upon being told he didn't have long left.
However he was still able to attend the cricket match between England and New Zealand at the Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, tweeting on June 11: "At Edgbaston watching the cricket. I might have cancer but life is good right now."
After his diagnosis in April, he told Hold The Front Page: "I’m very grateful for the support of my family and loved ones, and the support I’ve had from my colleagues has been humbling.
"I’ve loved journalism and being a journalist for years, and the reason I loved it is the people I worked with. They’ve been terrific."
