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

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.

Paul Kelly’s memorial in Glasgow should remind us of the perils of poverty. Thankfully he had a life of friends and admirers and did not pass unnoticed through poverty’s vale of tears. He reached out and touched us all. The big issue is bigger by far because we knew this man.

— John Bird (@johnbirdswords) June 24, 2019

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.

Lovely turnout of people paying tribute to ⁦@BigIssue⁩ vendor Paul Kelly, who sadly died recently. He was clearly so loved in Glasgow. #dontbeshy pic.twitter.com/OVbUOAGrEC

— Laura Kelly (@laurakaykelly) June 24, 2019

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.”

Thank you to everybody who came along to pay tribute to our friend, much loved @bigissue man Paul Kelly. There were many memories shared. It was sad but very heartening. pic.twitter.com/RAuLn7M4CW

— Paul McNamee (@PauldMcNamee) June 24, 2019

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.