Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Tribute to community hero who died in blaze
A MOVING tribute has been paid to a much-loved community figure who died in a fire in Brockworth.
Police officers, fire crews and paramedics rushed to Gannet Close after 2pm on Tuesday, March 12 and found a garage alight at a property.
The man killed was Roger Townsend, who lived in Brockworth and was known by many for his generosity and how his family would often help others.
Jillian Marsh has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise money in Roger’s memory and support the family. Its original £1,500 target has been reached thanks to more than 100 donations. The fundraiser states: “As many of you will know, Roger, a long-term Brockworth resident, passed away earlier this week in the most tragic of circumstances.
“To lose someone you love is hard enough but to lose them in such an unexpected and tragic way is incomprehensible to most of us.
“Kyla, Cleyton, Arlene and family are always the first members of the community to help others out in times of need whether it be replacing a stolen bike, sorting hampers at Christmas or arranging collections to give children and their families financial help in times of need.
“This time it is them in need of our community support. Whether they use the donations for help towards the funeral, a memorial stone, a charity donation in Roger’s name or any of the other major costs which we all know come with the loss of a loved one will be up to them. We know they will use every penny wisely. So please donate whatever you can afford, we all know times are tough but we also know we have an amazing community here.”