Social media trolls force Dave to call time on charity fundraising
ONE of Barnsley’s most prolific charity fundraisers is being forced into retirement by vile trolls on social media.
Dave Cherry, 76, of Worsbrough Bridge, has raised almost £100,000 in the last 18 years – including £25,000 for Barnsley Hospice with his song ‘Stairfoot Rarndabart’ which made him into an internet sensation.
He’s since hosted charity events and made other films for Barnsley folk to enjoy – but a number of ‘keyboard warriors’ have forced him to stop what he has loved doing.
He told the Chronicle the abuse has got too much to tolerate in the last year.
Dave added: “It’s really upsetting – but
I’ve just had enough.
“I’ve been thinking long and hard about it.”
His own social media channels have lots of women and children followers and he says he doesn’t want his supporters to see the abuse he has had to endure.
“In one comment, I was referred to as ‘that b***end with the banjo’ and another made hurtful references about my weight and appearance.”
Dave said the comments being made have worn him down – and he’s been left focusing on the one per cent of trolls, rather than the 99 per cent of ‘lovely people’ who watch his videos.
“It really is hurtful and I’ve just had enough,” he added.
“It’s just getting worse and it’s coming from evil people.
“It really is disgusting – I spend hours and hours doing this and it just cuts into you.
“All you think about is the one per cent of bad instead of the 99 per cent of good.”
Dave’s fundraising has been of huge help to Barnsley Hospice, which needs to raise nearly £2m every year to fund patient care and support for families.
His work has been documented through the Chronicle’s pages for a number of years and his efforts won’t be forgotten by the people he has supported.
“I can accept constructive criticism but these remarks are very hurtful and made by spiteful and envious people,” he added.
“I am now 76 and I started my charity work in 2004 when I made the Barnsley Hospice song ‘Stairfoot Rarndabart’.
“The song made over £24,000 and since then my charity work is nearing the
£100,000 mark.
“I am told my songs and films cheer people up but I really cannot sustain these libellous and upsetting attacks and I now feel it is time to move on with my life.”