Touching tribute by community
The murder of Joan Hoggett last month shocked the whole of Sunderland and especially the close-knit community of Fulwell.
Great-grandmother Joan, 62, was killed in a stabbing incident at the One Stop shop in which she worked in Sea Road, on the evening of Wednesday, September 5.
So moved were they by the terrible event, the people of Fulwell sprang into action almost immediately to pay tribute to the wellliked shop worker.
Apart from organising a vigil to mourn the stabbing victim, community organisation, Friends of Fulwell, rallied people together to raise money for the victim’s family.
The organisation aims to raise the aspirations of the local people in Fulwell by providing support, staging community events and activities and sourcing resources to help to make changes in the area.
Many local businesses are involved in the fundraiser – with donation buckets on their counters for those who wish to make a donation in Joan’s memory.
And so far a massive £5,344 has been raised – which will be given to Joan’s family – with the donations still flooding in.
Friends of Fulwell founder Peter Curtis said: “There has been a hugely positive movement since in the community with people coming together to support Joan and her family, and some of the acts of kindness have been tremendous.
“To raise such a significant amount of money from a small community in a relatively short space of time is incredible. It’s amazing to see what a community can do when they are united towards something they really believe in and care about.”
We agree. Well done to all those whohelped – and as a reminder, to donate to Joan’s Fund, visit: https:// cafdonate.cafonline. org/8734 or use donation boxes in Fulwell Library, Fulwell Post office and the Blue Bell Pub.