My brother Roy was a huge character with a very big heart who called everyone his best mate and made everyone feel like they alone were his best mate

A Dedicated Dad, a Loving Son, a Protective Brother, a "Crazy" Uncle, a Loyal and Funny Friend, a Hard Working, Supportive Workmate... He was absolutely a people person who was loved by all who knew him.

Roy sadly and suddenly left this world on 2nd December 2020 leaving us, his family and friends shocked and devastated at his loss. (Those of you who knew Roy may know that he had some chronic illnesses that affected his immune system but he had carried on with his life as best he could, still working until quite recently when those conditions started affected his mobility - despite his illnesses, we never expected for his life to end so suddenly and are all in a state of shock)

I've set up this gofundme page with the hope that my mum and dad can lay him to rest in a dignified way and also to set up a trust fund for his beloved daughter Lucia.

First though, let me tell you a bit more about my brother Roy...

He was the best (and often the most frustrating) little brother anyone could wish for! He challenged and questioned me constantly, implying he knew and undersood things I couldn't possibly comprehend.  He frequenty and unwittingly changed my perspective on things through his unwavering conviction that he was right... (Even when he wasn't!)

As the older brother I was expected to be the protective sibling... Well I did my best to look out for him, but in truth, Roy was fierce when it came to his loved ones and if I was ever in a scrape, Roy would be the one I'd want fighting my corner. He would consider an attack on one of his family or friends an attack on him and would seek out justice is his own fearless, unique way.

He loved our mum and dad absolutely and unconditionally.  He was a dedicated son who would do anything he could to help them, from doing DIY around their house to emotional support in tough times.  He lit up their house with his personality and smile and made them laugh constantly.  He also gave them a fair share of worry over the years, but any mistakes he made he acknowledged and was forever remorseful for any upset or worry he may have caused them.

How this funding drive will help us...

Aim 1.

Our mum and dad have been Roy's rocks over the last few months as his health deteriorated. They have supported him physically, emotionally and financially. His death has left them broken and fretting over how they can afford to give him a dignified funeral with their limited finances.

They've worked hard all of their lives in tough full time jobs.  Mum as a Hand Folder in a stationery factory, then a Cleaner in a care home and Dad as a Betting Shop Manager, then a Care Worker for Elderly Mentally Ill Patients.  They've given Roy and I the best and most loving upbringing anyone could ask for.   Since retiring, they have got by on their pensions, despite always putting their childrens and grandchildrens needs before their own.

Roy's sudden passing will no doubt put a massive strain on their limited finances (even with me helping as much as I'm able to) so despite them being proud people and not wanting to ask anyone for help, it's my hope that any funding we can get here will help to ease their financial burden a bit and allow them to concentrate on grieving for their youngest child rather than worrying about how they'll pay for Roy's funeral.

Aim 2.

Roy loved his daughter Lucia so very much;  She alone is his greatest achievement and she is a testament to Roy and Cass's great parenting.  Roy was so very proud of her and they were truly kindred spirits.  They would laugh with each other and at each other at the daftest and sometimes most inappropriate things.  They just understood each other entirely and he was so proud to call Lu his little girl and tell eveyone about her achievements.

Our Lu is an incredibly caring, beautiful girl who is wise beyond her years. She has tirelessly been there for her dad and cared for him during his last few months as his health conditions worsened.  I know that no amount of money will ever mend her broken heart at the loss of her dad at just 11 years of age, but as Roy's death was so sudden and unexpected, he hadn't made provisions for looking after Lu financially in the future and I know he would absolutely have wanted to if he had had the means to do so.  

This funding will give Lucia access to some finances in the future.
_________________________

If we manage to meet our funding target, I'll make sure Roy gets the dignified funeral he deserves (so our mum and dad can stop worrying and get on with the painful grieving process)

Also I'll make sure his daughter Lucia has access to funds that will help her in the future with the knowledge that those funds were donated as a direct result of the positive relationships her Dad built with family and friends throughout his life.

As a final note, I understand that asking for this help at this time is a big ask. Everyone is struggling and I completely understand that not everyone is in a position to help, so please don't feel obliged to donate money you can't afford; but feel free to share the campaign with others who knew Roy as that in itself will be a big help.

Thank you for reading and also for all of the kind words and offers of support that have already come our way - Roy would be so touched and proud of you all and we are eternally grateful.

With Love,

Ste Wakefield (Roy's Brother)
Christine Wakefield (Roy's Mum)
Roy Wakefield (Roy's Dad)

xxx