A FUND-RAISER in memory of much-loved Worcester pub landlord Alex Pope after his sudden death has raised more than £13,000 in just 48 hours.
The 39-year-old landlord of the city’s Paul Pry pub died at the weekend leading to an outpouring of tributes from across Worcester.
A GoFundMe page was set up to pay for the funeral expenses and to help with the ongoing short-term costs of his beloved Paul Pry.
The Butts pub has been closed since news of his passing was confirmed with staff asking for privacy.
Within 48 hours, more than £13,000 had been raised from 300 plus donations from people across Worcester, many of whom paid heartfelt tributes.
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.”
“The family are absolutely blown away by the love and support from everyone and this money will go towards ensuring Al has the send off he deserves.
“Many thanks again, Worcester and beyond – the money raised is testament to the great bloke that he was.
Gaynor Pritchard, who runs city bereavement charity Behind the Smile, recalled the work Alex did to support her organisation including holding a pub quiz fund-raiser 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 www.gofundme.com/f/in-fond-memory-of-alex-james-pope? for more.
