Shoppers and friends turn out for memorial to Nottingham Big Issue seller ‘Happy Dave’

Dozens of people attended a memorial event in honour of a Nottingham Big Issue seller who became so well-liked in the city he was known as ‘Happy Dave’.

Regular customers and shoppers gave Dave Hale the nickname during his seven years as a vendor in the city, where he would chat to people on his regular pitch close to Marks and Spencer.

He died on April 2 aged 43. Some customers were so affected they lay flowers and messages close to his pitch on Albert Street, near Marks and Spencer and St Peter’s Church.

The church hosted the ceremony at 1.30pm on Thursday for customers, Big Issue sellers and staff, and others to pay their respects.

Before the memorial reader Mike Houghton said: “He was outside M&S Nottingham every afternoon, rain or shine, and known to so many in the city centre community. Always greeted me with ‘Good afternoon sir, how are you today?’ Will be greatly missed.”

Another Big Issue buyer, Ash Medley, added: “Dave had gone through several mills, but he managed to secure a flat, which gave him the dignity he deserved. He would do anything for anyone, if he could. And his selfless manner enamored him to so many people.

“Only 18 months or so ago, I managed to get a picture of him and send it in to the magazine that helped rebuild his life. Dave’s story goes beyond my few words, but he leaves a lasting legacy of hope, and reiterates the Big Issue philosophy.”

Dave ‘Happy Dave’ Hale. (Photo: Big Issue)

Stephen Southall, sales development worker at The Big Issue in Nottingham, said Dave’s passing will be felt in the Nottingham office and will leave an ’empty space’ for everyone who met the ‘kind-natured’ vendor.

“This news has come as a shock to all the staff, vendors and regular customers in Nottingham.

“Just looking at all the flowers and messages placed outside Marks and Spencers where he used to sell you really truly can see the love and respect people had for him.

“He wholeheartedly sold the magazine treating it like a full-time job. He was kind-natured with a heart of gold, and really cared about every single one of his regular customers. It gets said all too much that vendors are out in rain or shine but in Dave’s case he definitely was.

“His death has left an empty space and left everybody hurting but the memories of him and his smiling face live on through us all. Rest in peace Dave.”

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