We did it!
Byron Taylor raised £1,687 from 97 supporters
or
Start your own crowdfunding page
Closed 12/11/2021
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
- 3 years ago
Byron Taylor
3 years agoThank 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
- 3 years ago
Byron Taylor
3 years agoThank 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
Byron Taylor started crowdfunding
Leave a message of support
Supporters
97
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
Aug 10, 2021
Anonymous
Aug 7, 2021
£20.00
Anonymous
Aug 4, 2021
Suzanne
Aug 4, 2021
£20.00
Flo
Aug 4, 2021
£10.00
Paul Baker
Aug 4, 2021
Makes one feel very humble
£100.00
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a new type of fundraising where you can raise funds for your own personal cause, even if you're not a registered nonprofit.
The page owner is responsible for the distribution of funds raised.
Great people make things happen
Do you know anyone in need or maybe want to help a local community cause?
Create you own page and donʼt let that cause go unfunded!
About CrowdfundingAbout the fundraiser
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