A founder of one of the UK’s most successful home working franchise travel companies has died at the age of just 46.

In September 2001, the day before 9/11, talented accountant Robin Witt launched the predecessor firm of Not Just Travel, now based at Aviation Retail Park in Hurn, Christchurch.

But four years ago he was diagnosed with an incredibly rare form of dementia, called Frontotemporal Dementia (or Picks disease) which affects the young.

He retired from the business shortly after the diagnosis and passed away on Christmas Eve.

Robin’s younger brother and co-founder Steve, who runs Not Just Travel, said: “It’s a very cruel disease which causes problems with behaviour and language.

“It very quickly stripped Robin of the ability to talk, communicate and eventually caused memory issues.

“With Pick’s disease, the symptoms will get progressively worse over time.

“Many of the symptoms can make social interaction difficult. Behaviour and personality changes are the most significant early symptoms in Pick’s disease.”

The dad of two was born and bred in Dorset, Robin attended Pimperne First School, St Leonard's Middle School in Blandford, Blandford School and then Southampton University where he graduated as a chartered accountant.

Last year, the Not Just Travel team, inspired by Robin’s condition raised over £60,000 for good causes including the mental health charity, Mind.

Steve added: “Mental illness of some kind will affect one in four of us this year, more so than ever with social isolation. It's very important that we take time to help each other and ourselves.

“Don't wait to tell those around you what you need to say or want to say and don’t put off the things you want to do.

“Next time someone doesn’t seem themselves, is doing something you think isn’t right or blanks you and you think they are being rude, take a moment and appreciate that they may not be able to control what they are doing or saying.”