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“Don’t be shy, give it a try!” - Vigil held for popular vendor Paul Kelly

Paul’s family, regular customers and local businesses gathered on his pitch outside Sainsbury’s on Buchanan Street in Glasgow to pay their respects

Paul Kelly vigil

Much-loved Big Issue vendor Paul Kelly has been remembered in a touching vigil on his pitch this afternoon.

The seller, 50, died on Saturday June 15 following a violent attack outside his Knightswood home.

Scores of Paul’s family, regular customers and passers-by who were touched by his kindness and upbeat personality gathered on his pitch outside Sainsbury’s on Buchanan Street in Glasgow.

After being addressed by Big Issue editor Paul McNamee – who told of how Paul’s cheery catchphrase of “Don’t be shy, give it a try” gave him a “lift” and “never tired” – mourners shared their memories of the veteran vendor as well as laying flowers and lighting candles.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

A copy of this week’s Scottish edition of The Big Issue magazine was also placed among the emotional tributes with Paul featured on the cover.

One well-wisher, who worked on the street across from Paul, spoke of how the vendor was an example to him. He said: “If we treated each other more like the way Paul treated people then I think the world would be in a much better situation.”

And another local business worker ensured that Paul’s timeless catchphrase would ring out on his pitch once more, encouraging everyone at the vigil to shout, “Don’t be shy, give it a try” in his memory.

The vigil is the latest event to remember Paul – The Big Issue has been inundated with tributes since the tragic news of his death broke a week ago, including a motion in Scottish parliament from Monica Lennon MSP.

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