Truro Big Issue vendor raises £1,000 for dog home that helped him get new puppy
Truro seller Nick Cuthbert raised £1,100 for Last Chance Hotel in Chacewater after introducing new puppy Bracken to his pitch six months after the death of long-time companion Bryony
Nick Cuthbert let locals suggest the name for his new pet dog Bracken. Image: Olivier Vergnault/Cornwall Live
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Big-hearted Big Issue vendor Nick Cuthbert has raised more than £1,000 for the dog rescue centre that helped him get new puppy Bracken.
Cuthbert introduced his new labrador to his pitch outside Marks & Spencer at Lemon Quay, Truro, on 17 July and asked his regular customers to come up with a new name for the puppy in exchange for a donation.
The idea ended up raising £1,108 for Last Chance Hotel animal rescue sanctuary in nearby Chacewater, where Cuthbert was able to find his new canine companion.
The gesture comes just six months after the veteran vendor lost long-time pet chocolate labrador-mix Bryony, who passed away at the age of 14 on 21 February.
“It’s just gone mental here,” said Cuthbert.
“It’s been brilliant. I’m over the moon. I’ve gone for a black labrador because I couldn’t bring myself to get a brown one after Bryony.”
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Puppy Bracken has already been a big hit in Truro. Image: BBC Radio Cornwall
Cuthbert’s customers have flocked to his pitch to see new arrival Bracken.
It’s also been a period of adjustment for Cuthbert as he tried to keep up with the excitable puppy. But he is grateful to have a dog in his life once more after some of his regular customers helped to get a new dog to replace Bryony.
“It’s been very tiring – we’ve been getting up most mornings at five o’clock but it’s nice to have a dog in my life again,” said Cuthbert.
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“She’s been a big hit on my pitch – I couldn’t leave her in the caravan on her own anyway – and we’ve just been hounded with people. Thanks to the people who chipped in to help me get her.”
Big Issue vendor Nick Cuthbert proudly displays a cheque for Last Chance Hotel. Image: Supplied
Big Issue vendor Cuthbert described Bryony as the “love his life” earlier in the year after the dog’s death saw the two part for the first time since she was just seven weeks old.
The pair became a popular sight on the vendor’s long-time pitch and even bonded with TV star Dermot O’Leary back in 2018 over a shared love of dogs.
Nick is still fundraising for Last Chance Hotel with a box on his pitch. If you’d like to help you can also donate online
