Advertisement
Share your view on the Big Issue and you could win £100 of John Lewis vouchers
Have Your Say
News

Much-loved London vendor Eric Pelly has died

The former chef and rugby fanatic lost his battle with cancer on September 1 aged 54

Eric Pelly

We are saddened to announce that popular Big Issue vendor Eric Pelly has died following a long battle with cancer.

A former chef and a rugby fanatic, Eric died peacefully from the terminal illness aged 54 on September 1 after being moved into a nursing home before the Covid-19 lockdown.

Illness had sadly prevented Eric from selling the magazine since last Christmas, but he made a big impression on his customers over many years selling the magazine outside Waitrose in Ruislip and Neal Street in Covent Garden. He was known for his friendly demeanour and captivating stories.

Lauren Neale, The Big Issue’s London sales and operations manager, paid a touching tribute to Eric, insisting that “Covent Garden will be a quieter place”.

She said: “Eric was never short of a story to tell. He was kind hearted, well liked and a good friend to many vendors and to franchisees.

“He tried to keep his spirits up despite his deteriorating health until he passed away.

Advertisement
Advertisement

“He will be dearly missed and always thought of by franchisees, staff, vendors, and the public. Covent Garden will be a quieter place without his friendly demeanour.”

Advertisement

Never miss an issue

Take advantage of our special New Year subscription offer. Subscribe from just £9.99 and never miss an issue.

Recommended for you

View all
Labour pledges to save renters £240 a year on energy bills
Environment secretary Ed Miliband
Energy bills

Labour pledges to save renters £240 a year on energy bills

Social housing waiting lists to soar to two million people in 10 years, report finds
Row of terraced houses with cars on the road in front
Social housing

Social housing waiting lists to soar to two million people in 10 years, report finds

DWP blasted for blowing half a million pounds defending disability benefit cuts: 'What a failure'
Disability benefits

DWP blasted for blowing half a million pounds defending disability benefit cuts: 'What a failure'

Is UK's housing system racist? Calls for inquiry as study reveals ethnic minorities pay more for less
UK housing
Racism

Is UK's housing system racist? Calls for inquiry as study reveals ethnic minorities pay more for less

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

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

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