News

London Big Issue vendor Andy Wotton has died

The 52-year-old sold the magazine for many years outside Waitrose Barbican

Andy Woton vendor death

We are sad to announce that long-time London Big Issue vendor Andy Wotton has died.

The 52-year-old, who was originally from Scotland but sold the magazine outside Waitrose Barbican, lost his life on Monday September 2.

Much-loved Andy was renowned for his generous nature among his customers, particularly for providing water for pets outside the store and looking after customers’ bikes as they shopped.

Andy, who suffered from a long-term illness, fell ill and was taken to hospital on the Sunday before passing away on Monday morning.

One of Andy’s customers, Chrissie Tiller, paid tribute to the Big Issue vendor.

“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.

“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.”

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.”

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
I started doing crime by age 6. I didn't know any other life – all my birthdays were in prison
Crime

I started doing crime by age 6. I didn't know any other life – all my birthdays were in prison

Local housing allowance is finally going up. But is it anything more than just a short-term fix?
Jeremy Hunt announced local housing allowance rise
Benefits

Local housing allowance is finally going up. But is it anything more than just a short-term fix?

Calls to nationalise Thames Water as Brits face 40% increase in bills: 'A con and a disgrace'
Water bills

Calls to nationalise Thames Water as Brits face 40% increase in bills: 'A con and a disgrace'

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the Easter holidays?
Free school meals/ Easter holidays
Free school meals

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the Easter holidays?

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know