Vulnerable Merton residents will enjoy a bumper Christmas lunch after the generous family of a volunteer who died earlier this year asked for charitable donations instead of funeral flowers.

For the seventh year charitable pair Mags Alexander and Judy Saunders have organised a Christmas dinner at Parish Rooms, Mitcham for up to 80 elderly and vulnerable to make sure they don’t spend the day alone.

Earlier this year one of the many dedicated volunteers who helped each year, Fred Taylor-Coolahan died aged only 45.

Mrs Alexander said: "Fred was one of those incredible people who never wanted the limelight. He would turn up and help in every way, but then slip off when the thanks was going around.

"In a wonderful gesture his family asked that instead of flowers all donations should be given to our event and they raised over £1000.

"Whilst we get a little funding from local churches and schools, this amount is a fantastic gesture and means we can really push the boat out this year."

 

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