A CROWD-FUNDER has been set up in memory of much-loved Worcester pub landlord Alex Pope on after his sudden passing.
The family of Alex, who was the landlord of the Paul Pry pub, announced he had passed away over the weekend at the age of 39.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for the funeral expenses and to help with the ongoing short-term costs of his beloved Paul Pry pub.
Within hours, almost £6,000 had been raised with over 120 people across Worcester donating.
City organisations including Friar Street Kitchen, Script Haven, The Plough and The King Charles House have all either paid their tributes or shared the GoFundMe page.
Alex’s family released a statement on the Paul Pry’s social media channel to express their devastation at the loss.
The statement read: “It is with immense sadness and pain that we must announce the sudden passing of our son, brother, partner, friend and Landlord, Alex James Pope.
“We are beyond devastated and broken, but we are comforted knowing how loved he is and how much support we have around us.
“We love you more than words can express and there will forever be a void in our hearts- goodnight chef.”
The family also confirmed the pub would be closed until further notice.
People across the Faithful City took to social media to pay their own tributes to Alex.
Mark and Felicity Regent, who set up the fund-raiser, added: “Many of you have sent wonderful kind words of love and such fond memories and stories, which have been so kindly received by family and friends.
“His impact is immeasurable and he created something truly amazing.”
Gaynor Pritchard, who runs city bereavement charity Behind the Smile, recalled the work Alex did to support her organisation including holding a pub quiz fundraiser at the Paul Pry.
Community photographer Dave Dunbar added: “What utterly sad news.
“He was always so friendly to me, even if I didn’t pop in the pub for years- rest in peace mate, you will be so sadly missed.”
Julie Smith described Alex as a lovely talented man whose Sunday dinners helped to keep her going through lockdown.
Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-fond-memory-of-alex-james-pope? to donate.
