An appeal to raise money to help pay for the funeral of legendary Bristol character Stoney Garnett has been inundated with donations. The fundraiser has set out to gather £5,000 and is already approaching £3,000 after just a week of collecting money.
Stoney, who was a South Bristol comedian, master of ceremonies, raconteur, charity fundraiser, postman, film extra and would-be politician, passed away on July 24, with tributes coming from across the city to the popular, larger-than-life character.
Now, City fans and friends want to help his family give Stoney the send off he deserves, and are raising funds for his funeral. Fundraiser Darren Harding said his family and friends were stunned by the high cost of a funeral.
Read more: Bristol City CEO leads tributes to Stoney Garnett as fans share personal stories
“Stoney was an iconic character from Bristol who loved his family and Bristol City,” he said. “He touched the lives of those around him and to all who met him. Stoney dedicated his life to following Bristol City, charity events and spending time with family. He loved the City of Bristol.
“We are all devastated by the loss of Stoney and were not prepared for the high cost of a funeral service. We want to give Stoney the memorial and funeral he deserves, to honour his memory and say our last goodbyes,” he added.
This weekend’s Flag Day event at the Three Lions pub - one of many across South Bristol, the city centre and Old Market who claimed Stoney as a regular - will pay tribute to Stoney, and City fans are planning a standing ovation in the 75th minute of Saturday’s first home game of the season against Sunderland at Ashton Gate.
In the week since the fundraiser was set up, donations have flooded in, and the total is now approaching £3,000 of the £5,000. “We are currently asking for donations to help cover the cost of Stoney’s funeral,” said Darren. “We would like to raise £5,000 in order to be able to afford the funeral service,” he added.
Read next:
- Tributes to Bristol City superfan Stoney Garnett
- The extraordinary life of Stoney Garnett
- All you need to know about Flag Day 2022
To keep up-to-date with the latest South Bristol news, join our community of subscribers with my South Bristol newsletter here.
