Tributes have poured in for much-loved London Big Issue vendor Barry Harding as Big Issue staff and customers remembered a “true gentleman”.
The veteran vendor, who sold the magazine at the Central Line entrance at Shepherd’s Bush tube station, died on May 1 at the age of 64 following a battle with liver and pancreatic cancer.
As well as selling the magazine since 2009, Barry acted as a franchisee for The Big Issue, helping distribute magazines to fellow vendors across London. The news of his death has had an enormous impact on Big Issue staff and vendors in the English capital.
It’s been an honour and a privilege getting to know him and working with him over the yearsLauren Neale, The Big Issue’s sales and operations manager in London
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Lauren Neale, The Big Issue’s sales and operations manager in London</span>Lauren Neale, The Big Issue’s sales and operations manager in London, said: “Barry had a huge impact on me and us as a team. He will be leaving a giant hole in our lives and in the lives of the vendors around Oxford Circus, as well as his customers and friends in Shepherd’s Bush.
“He was such a kind man and it’s been an honour and a privilege getting to know him and working with him over the years.
“It’s not sunk in properly yet, and I think it will take time for us all to come to terms with it. He will never be forgotten and will be dearly missed but always in our thoughts.”
