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‘Most of all, simply a lovely bloke’: Tributes paid after death of Robin Hood actor Tim Pollard

Tributes are being paid in their thousands to Tim Pollard, the actor who played Nottingham’s Robin Hood, following his death from cancer.

His passing was announced on his Facebook page by his family on Saturday (June 28). He had faced a “short, brave battle with cancer”, which was not widely known publicly.

Well-known for playing the legendary outlaw at events across the city and county, his death has been widely described as “heartbreaking” by fans and officials alike.

“It was his heartfelt wish to keep his illness private, and he only allowed us to begin sharing this difficult news with a few close friends in recent weeks,” hia family said.

“He truly valued his privacy, and we are striving to honour that now. Tim was, as many of you know, our very own, and only, Robin Hood. He was loved by so many, not just here in Nottingham, but far beyond.

“His laughter, his spirit, and his incredible friendship touched countless lives.”

In a statement, Nottingham City Council said: “Most of all, he was a simply a lovely bloke with a big heart and a smile to match who will be hugely missed.

“Our thoughts at this incredibly difficult time are with his friends and family.”

Tim and Sally Pollard had played Robin Hood and Maid Marian after meeting through a love of re-enactments.

City Councillor Linda Woodings added: “Devastatingly sad news. Such a lovely man, an incredible ambassador for our city as Robin Hood.”

The 61-year-old was a regular at high-profile public events, often appearing on television and radio, and also at school visits, civic engagements and festivals.

Nottingham Boys Brigade posted: “Whenever we saw Tim he was brilliant with our young people and a pleasure to speak to.

“Tim has helped make so many amazing memories for our young people, which will be held dear forever in his memory.”

Nottingham Campaign for Real Ale, which hosted Tim at its annual Beer and Cider Festival, said: “He was very well known for promoting and supporting all things Nottingham and local, along with his late wife Sally. He will be sadly missed & our thoughts are with his daughter and family.

“If you can, raise a glass in his memory today.”

In 2017, Tim told Notts TV of feeling ‘utterly broken’ following the death of his wife, Sally, from breast cancer. The couple met through re-enactments and Sally had played Maid Marian alongside her husband.

His family said details would be shared in due course of how people could celebrate his life.