Carl Van Riel was a much-loved and admired member of our community at Red And White Kop - a royal pain in the proverbial at times to both his friends and his family but loved nonetheless and a refreshingly direct fellow to boot.

Although he eventually succumbed to the demons of his addiction, he always wanted to kick them into touch. That he in the end did not succeed should in no way diminish the fact he was always willing to help others in a similar plight, often to his own detriment. He was a giver with a heart of gold, unless it came to cats and kittens of course, but we see past that and remember him for the good humour and the painful honesty he gave us in his life.

We know his family will struggle to cover the costs of giving Carl a send-off he deserves, so as his community of extended family, we seek to help in any way that we can. Please don't allow the burden of funeral expenses to be borne by a credit card his family can ill afford to take on right now. Help us to help them cos he helped us.....

If we happen to exceed the target, we pledge that any surplus funds shall be donated to The National Association for Children of Alcoholics, who do superb work in helping innocent victims of tragic circumstances surrounding addiction to alcohol. We are certain Carl would appreciate that initiative, especially given his family's own ordeals and experiences.

Shine On, You Crazy Diamond.