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Byron Taylor raised £1,687 from 97 supporters

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Closed 12/11/2021

0%
£1,687
raised of £3,000 target by 97 supporters

    Iʼve raised £1,687 to help pay for the funeral and vigil support service of Chris Clarke a hugely beloved big issue seller in Cheltenham.

    Cheltenham
    Funded on Friday, 12th November 2021

    Don't have time to donate right now?

    Story

    Chris was a double amputee who lost his legs in his service for the military in South Africa he completed 30 years of service to his country before moving to the UK to be closer to his mother as she was ill. Chris had no links and hardly any money to set up a home he went through homelessness but eventually got his own council flat.

    To pay for his transport to visit his mother in the stow on the wolds he sold the big issue he was on certain pain medication and being in a wheelchair found it extremely hard to find a job.

    He dedicated himself to serving the public on a daily basis on his pitch next to Gregg's in Cheltenham. In his own words he said previously in a magazine:

    "I have a range of customers which includes everyone from university professors to people with PhDs in esoteric subjects such as astronomy and micro-electronics.

    I get a huge amount of enjoyment out of selling The Big Issue. It used to be that if I didn’t make a certain amount of money I wouldn’t
    be happy. Now I have an established clientele – I know who’s getting to see me, and something that started because of financial motivation has become hugely motivating socially"

    Chris Clarke was a very well known gentleman the "Cheltenham grandpa" if you like! After posting his passing on Cheltenham noticeboard over 600 people commented shared and gave love as they remembered what such great presence he bought to Cheltenham high street.

    Chris doesn't deserve a paupers funeral and aswell as a vigil being held we would like to give him the send off he deserves, he served in the military where he lost his legs and he served the community and stayed in Cheltenham because he enjoyed nothing more than watching the world go by in his wheelchair on Cheltenham high street talking and making all of us laugh. Chris never asked for favours and on many occasions I've seen him donate money he made selling his magazines I think it's time we can all give to Chris 1 final time to give him the send off he deserves.

    Updates

    2

    • Byron Taylor3 years ago
      Byron Taylor

      Byron Taylor

      3 years ago

      Thank you so much for all your kind donations it means a lot we are working on a funeral date as we speak so will let you know when the date will be also as to a vigil thanks a lot

      Share this update to help us raise more

    • Byron Taylor3 years ago
      Byron Taylor

      Byron Taylor

      3 years ago

      Thank you so much for donating guys please remember to share the post sharing with a message reaches out to everyone and anyone who may be able to help thank you again

      Share this update to help us raise more

    3 years ago

    Byron Taylor started crowdfunding

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    Page last updated on: 10/4/2021 12.05

    Supporters

    97

    • Sally

      Sally

      Oct 4, 2021

      Sorry I only just got to know Chris and he was going to be my regular vendor. Apologies this is a bit late in the day. I heard he died but only just read the article. From the few times we did cha

    • Anonymous

      Anonymous

      Aug 10, 2021

    • Anonymous

      Anonymous

      Aug 7, 2021

      £20.00

    • Anonymous

      Anonymous

      Aug 4, 2021

    • Suzanne

      Suzanne

      Aug 4, 2021

      £20.00

    • Flo

      Flo

      Aug 4, 2021

      £10.00

    • Paul Baker

      Paul Baker

      Aug 4, 2021

      Makes one feel very humble

      £100.00

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    About the fundraiser
    Byron Taylor

    Byron Taylor

    Cheltenham

    We are raising money to help pay for the funeral and vigil support service of Chris Clarke a hugely beloved big issue seller in Cheltenham but also a ex military service man who lost his legs in a IED explosion. Excess funds will go to Big issues and animal welfare causes

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