Farewell to Big Issue seller
BRISTOL residents came together to raise funds for the funeral of a “gentle” Big Issue vendor, who died on Christmas Eve.
Dean Telfer used to sell the Big Issue outside the Co-op Foodon Gloucester Road and was wellknown in the community.
In the days after his death, Big Issue paid tribute to Dean saying he would be missed by staff, volunteers and customers alike.
People across Bristol decided to raise funds to give Dean a proper send-off.
More than £6,000 was donated through an online JustGiving page set up by friend Doug Reid.
He previously said: “The people of St Andrew’s have come together to help raise money for someone who was a huge part of the community.
“Dean used to speak to everyone, he would always ask how you were and what you were doing and up to that day.
“He was a linchpin of the community, it will be hard to replace him, he’s been there for 22 years.” Hundreds of people donated to the campaign, with several commenting on the impact Dean made during his time in Gloucester Road. Tasha Park commented: “Such a cheerful and friendly person despite his illness and no doubt many other hardships. “Quite a one-off. I only met Dean a handful of times but he deserves a great send off.”
Kate Hannay added: “What a worthy thing to do. Helps keep the faith in human goodness.”
The La Ruca Cafe, located on Gloucester Road, also hosted a collection for Dean last month. Patricia Alvarez from the cafe said: “It was a beautiful funeral ... So many people there.”