Big Issue vendor and Nottingham favourite Dave Hale has passed away

Big Issue readers and locals have flocked to a much-loved vendor’s pitch in Nottingham this week with floral tributes following his sudden death.

Dave Hale, who was known as ‘Happy Dave’ by his regular customers after selling the magazine for seven years, passed away on April 2. He was just 43.

Dave sold the magazine outside Marks & Spencer in Nottingham city centre as well as working as a vendor co-ordinator for three years. The shock news of his death has seen an outpouring of grief on his regular pitch with flowers and messages laid outside the high street store.

He was kind natured with a heart of gold, and really cared about every single one of his regular customers

Reader Mike Houghton said: “So, so sad to hear of the death of Dave Hale over the Easter weekend. He was outside M&S Nottingham every afternoon, rain or shine, and known to so many in the city centre community. Always greeted me with “Good afternoon sir, how are you today?” Will be greatly missed.”

Another Big Issue buyer, Ash Medley, added: “Dave had gone through several mills, but he managed to secure a flat, which gave him the dignity he deserved. He would do anything for anyone, if he could. And his selfless manner enamoured him to so many people.

“Only 18 months or so ago, I managed to get a picture of him and send it in to the magazine that helped rebuild his life. Dave’s story goes beyond my few words, but he leaves a lasting legacy of hope, and reiterates the Big Issue philosophy.”

Saddened to hear if the sudden passing of @BigIssue vendor Dave Hale. A man of humble #heart & care. He'll never be forgotten. Please lay flowers on his pitch. #ahandupnotahandout#bigissue#nottingham

— Ash Medley (@ash_tag8) April 4, 2018

Stephen Southall, sales development worker at The Big Issue in Nottingham, insisted that Dave’s passing will be felt in the Nottingham office and will leave an “empty space” for everyone who met the “kind-natured” vendor.

“This news has come as a shock to all the staff, vendors and regular customers in Nottingham,” she said. “Just looking at all the flowers and messages placed outside Marks and Spencers where he used to sell you really truly can see the love and respect people had for Dave ‘Happy Dave’ Hale.

“He wholeheartedly sold the magazine treating it like a full-time job. He was kind natured with a heart of gold, and really cared about every single one of his regular customers. It gets said all too much that vendors are out in rain or shine but in Dave’s case he definitely was.

Stephen said that above all, Dave deeply cared about everyone, and was an integral part to the Nottingham Big Issue community.

“His death has left an empty space and left everybody hurting but the memories of him and his smiling face live on through us all. Rest in peace Dave.”