Funeral director inspired to help charity after organising war veteran’s funeral

An undertaker has been inspired to raise money for ex-RAF personnel and their families after arranging the funeral of a Sheffield war veteran.
Andy Merris from the Royal Airforce Association with COOP undertakers Vic Reeves and Lee SheedyAndy Merris from the Royal Airforce Association with COOP undertakers Vic Reeves and Lee Sheedy
Andy Merris from the Royal Airforce Association with COOP undertakers Vic Reeves and Lee Sheedy

Vic Reeves, funeral director at The Co-operative Funeralcare, in the city centre, will be holding a collection for the Royal Air Force Association this weekend.

He was inspired to raise funds for the charity after arranging the funeral of George Thompson.

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The 96-year-old hit the headlines after an appeal for people to attend his funeral last year.

George fought for his country in World War Two but passed away with no family members and few surviving friends.

A modest service was transformed into a fitting send-off after The Star joined forces with the RAF Association to urge people to give George, from Woodseats, the funeral he deserved.

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The Rotherham Branch of the RAF Association also launched a fundraising campaign to ensure George’s ashes could be interred and a suitable headstone erected.

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Now Vic is organising a collection at Rotherham Christmas market on Saturday, December 19, from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

He said: “I have been raising funds for the association since they helped us organise the funeral for George, and would like to give something back to them as a thank you for all the hard work they do in providing Guard of Honours for ex-servicemen and women.

“They are all volunteers and are always willing to help out when a request in put to them.”

Vic will also be fundraising with members of the association at Morrisons supermarket in Woodseats, Sheffield, on February 13 and 14.

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