Farewell to George, the children’s fundraiser
George Sowersby helped raise thousands of pounds for Martin House hospice
Tributes have been paid to Scarborough fundraiser George Sowersby, 79, a big supporter of Martin House Children’s Hospice.
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Scarborough fundraiser who spent more than a decade supporting Martin House Children’s Hospice.
George Sowersby passed away peacefully at Scarborough Hospital on Friday at the age of 79.
Scarborough born and bred, George worked at Plaxton for a short spell on leaving school, then started an apprenticeship at Todd Brothers painters and decorators in Prospect Road.
He worked for the firm all his life, returning after carrying out National Service as a transport driver.
George met his wife Ann, who worked at Dennis’ printers, when they were both walking along the Foreshore one day.
They were married at St Mary’s Church on March 15, 1958, and went on to have two sons, Kevin and Anthony.
The couple moved from Candler Street to Ashville Avenue to run a guest house, so Ann could work and bring up the boys at the same time.
Anthony said: “Dad was a very practical man and took pride in his work, so the guest house was a very nice place to visit. There was a lot of repeat business and over the years guests became friends.”
George was even asked at one point to take a job hanging wallpaper in the Royal household, but didn’t want to leave his family. When George and Ann retired, they moved to Highdale Road, where they were inspired by neighbours Mary and Bob to get involved with Martin House Children’s Hospice, in Boston Spa, near Wetherby.
They started going to meetings, coffee mornings and into town with collection tins.
The pair also helped organise Christmas Fairs, race nights and would man stalls selling Christmas cards.
Alison Wragg, of Martin House, said: “George was wonderfully committed to supporting the families that rely upon our services from the Scarborough area and beyond and had only comparatively recently stepped down from the support group.
“We were all very saddened at the news of his death.”
George had reluctantly stepped down for health reasons, but was still involved in a quiet way, looking after stock and doing what he could.
Ann said: “He really loved helping people. His mum was widowed and brought him and his twin sister Nora up on her own, so he knew when people were in need.”
In his free time, George loved cars and enjoyed many foreign holidays with Ann.
He was described by his family as a chatterbox who would talk to anyone and who was laughing and joking until the end.
A funeral service takes place at 2pm today at Woodlands Crematorium.
Tributes ‘George knew when people were in need’