The funeral of a much loved Big Issue Seller has taken place, after the community rallied together to raise thousands of pounds so he would not be buried a ‘pauper’.

Lionel Hegarty, who was a Big Issue seller outside the Co-op in Botley, was described as a pillar of the community by everybody that knew him – including Oxford MP Layla Moran.

Mr Hegarty died aged 78 on June 7 at the John Radcliffe Hospital after a lengthy three-week stay and a battle with pancreatic cancer.

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Oxford Mail: Flowers were left outside the Co-op in Botley for Mr Hegarty. Picture: Megan AntellFlowers were left outside the Co-op in Botley for Mr Hegarty. Picture: Megan Antell

Following news of his death a Go Fund Me was set up to give the popular local figure, who was known for his ‘friendly and sweet’ smile, the send-off he deserved.

Fundraiser creator Megan Antell wrote at the time: “Unfortunately as it stands he has no next of kin and there for no one to help pay for his funeral.

“The last thing any of us want is for him to have a ‘paupers funeral’.”

Ms Antell, 33, of Westminster Way, Botley, called Mr Hegarty a “friendly uncle or grandad” who would write Christmas cards for everyone and help people take their shopping from back to the car.

Oxford Mail: Mr Hegarty will be greatly missed by the community in Botley. Picture: Oxford Mail ArchiveMr Hegarty will be greatly missed by the community in Botley. Picture: Oxford Mail Archive

Despite his hardships, Mr Hegarty would go out of his way to make somebody’s day.

Ms Antell said he once offered to buy her food shop and ‘routed through his pockets to find spare change’. Although she politely declined the offer he still went into the shop to buy her a drink and chocolate bar.

The Go Fund Me went on to raise £4,400 of the £5,000 goal.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran donated £50 to the fundraiser and told this newspaper she regularly spoke with him and got him a bottle of coke and some custard creams.

This morning, members of the community as well as Ms Moran came together to celebrate the life of Mr Hegarty and the positive impact he had on Botley.

The funeral took place at Botley Baptist Church in One Church Way at 11am and was led by Reverend Ken Campbell.

Taking to Twitter, the Lib Dem MP wrote: “Today we celebrate the life of Lionel Hegarty. The funeral was funded by generous donations from our community. We are all wearing bright colours to reflect his sunny personality. RIP”

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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