“Me and my husband always used to buy from him, he was always there. He was part of the community and part of life there,” Chrissie told The Big Issue.
“He was always so pleasant and me and my husband could often hear him on the phone to his mum in, I think, Scotland and he was always reassuring her that he was managing and everything was alright.
Keep reading the journalism that powers our mission
Register free to continue and learn more about the stories, campaigns and the support we provide, helping people facing poverty across the UK.
“Loads of people spoke to him and bought The Big Issue, people were very fond of him.
“People have been through so much over austerity and he was a decent guy really trying hard to The Big Issue.
“He was part of our community and life in that part of London. He cheered people up and he was there for people.”
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Long-time Waitrose employee Tim Howard told The Big Issue that scores of tributes and flowers have been left outside the store in the wake of Andy’s death.
“I reckon I’ve known Andy for about 15 years and he was really well-liked,” said Tim.
“There a loads of people outside the store placing flowers and stopping to read the tributes. Someone has even created a Lucozade bottle with his name on because he used to drink Lucozade all the time.
“He was a good person and very kind. He was always happy and he was one of those people who would make a point of remembering everyone’s name. He was just a really nice person.”
Chris Falchi-Stead, Director of Sales & Operations at The Big Issue, said: “Andy was an extremely well loved vendor in Barbican, and we are all very saddened to hear of his passing.
“It has been truly humbling for us to have received so many calls from his customers, he touched the hearts of so many. The thoughts of everyone at The Big Issue are with his family at this difficult time.”
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
