Customers rally to raise £4,000 for much-loved vendor Dean Telfer’s funeral

Generous customers have clubbed together to raise £4,000 to pay for much-loved Big Issue vendor Dean Telfer’s funeral in the wake of his death over Christmas.

Dean, 39, was one of Bristol’s most popular vendors and a “staple of the community” on Gloucester Road in the city where he sold the magazine.

Friend Doug Reid set up an online fundraiser to cover the costs of Dean’s funeral on January 5 and since then he has been inundated with tributes and donations, raising £4,277 in five days at the time of writing.

Craig Cummings said: “Rest easy now Dean, our morning chats over a six-sugar coffee will be sorely missed. It was an absolute pleasure to have met you and spent time in your company. ‘Til we me meet again old pal.”

Liz Gaskin added: “Dean’s friendly face and gentle soul will be missed by many. Great to give him a good send-off and do something meaningful in his memory.”

The money will go towards funeral costs, including a headstone, with any leftover cash going towards homeless pet charity and Big Issue ChangemakerStreetVet – a favourite of Dean’s.

Updating supporters on the JustGiving page, Doug said: “I thank you all for taking Dean’s crowdfunder over the £4,000 mark. You are all gems!”

Long-standing vendor Dean was one of the first vendors in the country to offer cashless payments for his customers through our team-up with iZettle. James Wilkinson, Sales and Outreach Worker for The Big Issue in Bristol, paid tribute to Dean. He said: “Dean was always a kind and gentle personality in the office and on his pitch on Gloucester Road, and was a real staple of his community.

“He will be missed by the staff, volunteers, and vendors of Bristol, and I’m sure by many of his customers as well.”

The Big Issue understands that a date for Dean’s funeral is still to be confirmed.

You can donate to the fundraiser here