'He was one of the good ones': Thousands raised in memory of Eastenders writer and 'all round good bloke' from Sheffield

A fundraiser launched in memory of Sheffield-born Eastenders writer Si Spencer has smashed its £6,000 target following the sudden passing of the much-loved ‘social animal’ and ‘all round good bloke’.
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Si Spencer left family and friends ‘stunned and devastated’ when he died suddenly recently, aged 59.

A prolific writer, he had churned out comics, novels, and plays and written for TV shows such as Eastenders and Grange Hill.

He also worked for magazines like 2000AD, DC and Deadline.

!The arts community has lost one of its stars- he was a husband, a friend, a writer, an amazing singer, a feminist and an all round good bloke."!The arts community has lost one of its stars- he was a husband, a friend, a writer, an amazing singer, a feminist and an all round good bloke."
!The arts community has lost one of its stars- he was a husband, a friend, a writer, an amazing singer, a feminist and an all round good bloke."
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Friend Fiona Stephenson, who launched a GoFundMe page for Si, said: “I first met Si through Nostalgia & Comics in Sheffield in the 80s.

"I was Saturday girl and my boyfriend, now husband Dean, worked part time in the shop. Si was a regular customer- he was friendly, generous, funny and very intelligent.

"Many happy hours were spent in the Frog and Parrot and Broadfield pubs discussing music, art, philosophy, superhero titles that would make good condom names- he was great company.

"Si then met the love of his life, the beautiful and brainy Colleen. 'It started with a kiss', it was a perfect match, they were made for each other.”

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Si and Colleen later moved from Sheffield to London, which Fiona said was ‘Yorkshire’s loss and the Lord Clyde quiz night’s gain’.

"Anyone who knew Si knows that he was a social animal,” she added. “You got a better class of pub banter with Si.”

"It's such a shame that because of the restrictions Colleen will not be surrounded by the people who love her and Si won't get the send off he deserves.

"Dean has suggested that it would be a lovely gesture and very appropriate, if we all donate the money we would have spent on beer reminiscing about Si at his funeral to help make Colleen's life a bit easier financially.”

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The fundraising page had an original target of £6,000 but currently stands at £6,951, with throngs of well-wishers leaving donations and paying tribute to Si.

John McCrea said: “Si was one of the good ones, the world's a sadder place without his charm, humour and smarts. Miss ya, big fella, and hope this helps ease the burden on Colleen.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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