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

Much-loved Jo Jones is the second Big Issue vendor to die in Bath in a month

The 44-year-old, who was known for her “wicked sense of humour”, was found dead at hostel last weekend

Joanne Jones

We are sad to report that Big Issue vendor Joanne Jones has died just a month after fellow Bath seller Istvan Kakas.

The 44-year-old was found dead at the Julian House Manvers Street Hostel in the city last weekend. Joanne, known as Jo, had received support at the hostel for many years. The cause of her death is unknown at this time.

She had been selling the magazine outside TK Maxx in the city and on other pitches since 2016.

Geo Leonard, Big Issue service broker in Bath and Bristol, said: “No matter the circumstances Jo always had a wicked sense of humour, inner strength and resilience. Jo will be deeply missed by everyone at The Big Issue Bath.”

Late vendor Istvan, who sold the magazine at Halfpenny Bridge in Bath until his death, will be laid to rest at St Matthew’s Church in Widcombe on Saturday after he died from leukaemia on October 16.

A fundraising campaign raised more than £4,500 to cover the costs of Istvan’s cremation and the memorial service.

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

Buy a Vendor Support Kit for £36.99

Change a life this Christmas. Every kit purchased helps keep vendors earning, warm, fed and progressing.

Recommended for you

View all
Universal credit sanctions more 'severe' and 'damaging' than criminal fines, report finds
Jobcentre Plus
Universal credit

Universal credit sanctions more 'severe' and 'damaging' than criminal fines, report finds

Four in 10 Brits go a whole week without a meaningful talk with a stranger, Big Issue study reveals
Christmas

Four in 10 Brits go a whole week without a meaningful talk with a stranger, Big Issue study reveals

'There are good people in the world': The impact of supported lodgings on young people without family
Supported lodgings

'There are good people in the world': The impact of supported lodgings on young people without family

Rachel Reeves looks set to raise taxes in the autumn budget. What does it mean for you?
Rachel Reeves speaking at an early briefing on the autumn budget on 4 November
Autumn budget

Rachel Reeves looks set to raise taxes in the autumn budget. What does it mean for you?