THE mum of a young man who died after being found collapsed in Barnsley town centre said she has been left overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and even strangers who have donated more than £4,500 towards giving him a fitting send-off.
The Chronicle reported last week that Josh Reynolds, a 27-year-old scaffolder, had been found on a bench in the Courthouse car park last Monday. It is still not clear what happened to him but he had had some issues with drugs in the past.
His mum Lisa Walker believed he had turned a corner and was working hard in a steady job, but feared he may have taken something.
Following his death, heartbroken friends turned the bench into a shrine with flowers and tributes, an online donation page was created for people to donate towards a ‘proper send-off’.
A charity night was organised at the Corner Pin pub by Josh’s friend, singer Alexandra Crellin, and his colleagues at Top Scaff where he worked also began raising money in his memory.
“I honestly cannot believe the level of support, to me it just shows how much he was loved, and how much people thought of him,” said Lisa.
The charity night raised more than £1,200, the online giving page has raised more than £850, and his colleagues at work have donated £2,500.
“His boss has put in £2,000, and then the lads had a whip round between them and raised £500. I honestly can’t believe it,” said Lisa.
Comments from those who donated online included Paul Trueman who wrote: “I know that a little financial support can be a big help in these tragic times. Sending strength to all family and friends who are hurting right now.”
Eve Cherry wrote: “He was a wonderful kind and funny human being the world is a worse place without him but he will never be forgotten.”
And an anonymous donor, who gave £10, wrote: “I didn’t know Josh but saw the report in the Chronicle. Very sad a man that was greatly loved. This a lovely gesture from his friends to show their love and support his family.”
Josh, a former pupil of Summer Lane Primary and Penistone Grammar schools, had been living with his nannan Christine Flintham at Greenfoot Lane when he died.
He was a big Barnsley FC fan, and his family and friends are going to the match against Gillingham at Oakwell together tomorrow, and hope to honour Josh with a minute’s applause on the 27th minute.
Lisa said all friends are welcome at her son’s funeral next week, and are encouraged either to dress in party wear or ‘high visibility clothing’.
“He always had a party to go to, so that’s why we want people to dress for a party.
“A lot of the lads are going to be wearing their high-vis vests.
“Josh really did always want to be at the party, so he’d often turn up to places still in his work gear with his vizzy on.”
The funeral takes place on Wednesday, 2.50pm at Barnsley Crematorium, followed by a gathering at Shaw Lane Rugby Club.
