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

The date for popular Big Issue vendor Paul Kelly’s funeral has been confirmed

The tragic 50-year-old Glasgow seller was found dead outside his home on June 15

Paul Kelly

The funeral for much-loved Big Issue vendor Paul Kelly will be held tomorrow.

He will be laid to rest with a graveside service at St Conval’s Cemetery in Barrhead at 10am on July 23. Paul’s family have made it clear that all are welcome and have also asked that anyone wishing to make a donation, should make it to homelessness charity Shelter.

The 50-year-old was found dead outside his home in the Kingswood area of Glasgow following a violent attack.

Since Paul’s tragic death, The Big Issue has been inundated with tributes from his regular customers and passers-by who he touched with his ‘Don’t be shy, give it a try. I don’t bite’ catchphrase on his pitch outside Sainsbury’s on Buchanan Street in Glasgow.

He also received a mention in Scottish parliament, thanks to a motion from MSP Monica Lennon, and graced the cover of the Scottish edition of The Big Issue magazine in the week following his death.

The loss of Paul has shocked and saddened all at The Big Issue and we joined scores of his customers, Sainsbury’s staff and fellow vendors on his pitch for a vigil in his memory on June 24.

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

As editor Paul McNamee noted in his own tribute to the popular vendor: “It just feels odd and it feels sad and a little darker that Paul Kelly isn’t in this world.”

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

DO YOU KNOW HOW BIG ISSUE 'REALLY' WORKS?

Watch this simple explanation.

Recommended for you

View all
Pensioners in poverty skip baths as water bills rise: 'I hate living this way'
elderly woman washing food in tap water
Water

Pensioners in poverty skip baths as water bills rise: 'I hate living this way'

Homelessness facts and statistics: The numbers you need to know in 2026
Homelessness

Homelessness facts and statistics: The numbers you need to know in 2026

More than 100 million children at risk in Middle East conflict, charity fears
War Child in Gaza
Middle East

More than 100 million children at risk in Middle East conflict, charity fears

Revealed: Homeless people offered chairs not beds by councils in extreme weather
a person sleeping rough in a doorway
Homelessness

Revealed: Homeless people offered chairs not beds by councils in extreme weather