£35k raised in tribute to ‘brilliant’ maverick
Boost for late John’s family
SCORES of people have paid tribute to a much-loved Meon Valley man through an online fundraiser for his family.
John Corbett, from Upper Swanmore, died suddenly on Wednesday, October 7 aged 58.
Dad-of-six John was wellknown in the area, particularly for his antique dealing, which he had done for more 30 years.
John and his wife Tors ran a collection of businesses from their home, Damson Hill Cottage, in Damson Hill, a property which they renovated.
Tors regularly holds openair workouts, pilates sessions and hosts yoga classes, parties, events and relaxation days. An online fundraiser, set up by close family friend Lydia Westwood, has raised more than £35,000 in his memory, which will go towards keeping his family in the cottage.
Lydia said: ‘As hard as it is to accept, John is no longer with us. At least, not in body.
‘But you only have to step into Damson Hill Cottage to know that he'll always be there in spirit.
‘John died suddenly on Wednesday, October 7, from a brain aneurysm. The house (and business) that he and Tors have built together is a spectacular feat of creativity and hard graft, and so much of that has been by his own hand.
‘Tors has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from John's friends and f amily these past few days.
‘Everyone's memories of John share a common theme: they tell of a brilliant, eccentric maverick, a man with huge passion for life, an appreciation for beauty in the smallest things, the ability to tell a marvellous story, and constant joy and gratitude for what he had: his home, his children and his wife.
‘He was enormously proud to have them all. He deserved them. They deserved him.
‘There have been countless offers of help from so many people to help Tors and the children get through the coming weeks and months.
‘Yet, beyond the practical, everyday things that Tors would usually have asked (and then reminded, and reminded,) John to do, the family actually just need some time, a little breathing space in which to readjust to this new reality that they find themselves in.
‘John would want his family to remain in the house that he has built for them, so this fund is in his memory. Let's take care of his family for him.' To donate go to gf.me/u/y39b8y