Appeal to raise funds for funeral of homeless Corby man

John Holland died on Monday (October 8) after being found in undergrowth in West Glebe Park the day before.

Mr Holland, who is thought to be in his 30s and had been living rough for a number years, was well known in the town’s homeless community and had been sleeping rough near to the park.

He suffered a cardiac arrest and it is understood he was found by a dog walker who came to his aid before calling for the emergency services.

Now Help The Homeless Corby has launched an appeal to try and raise £3,500 to cover his funeral costs.

The JustGiving page says: “We at Help the Homeless Corby are raising funds to give John the send off he deserves.

“John has not had the best in life throughout his short time with us.

“He was the most loving, kind caring gentle soul you would come across.

“He always appreciated all the help he received.

“In his short life John didn’t have the best life and was mistreated many times which resulted in long-term health issues.”

The charity has been offered a package by Margaret Rose Funerals in Corby to bring John home and hold a service to lay him to rest.

Any donations, however big or small, can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-holland-87.

Dennis Binks, who until recently ran the Corinthian Church Homeless Mission in Corby, paid tribute to John.

He said: “He was a really lovely lad and would always give you a hug when he saw you.

“He used to come in regularly to our shelter and would have hot rolls and coffee.

“He would also get a change of clothes from the rails.

“He was always friendly and really appreciative.

“It is heartbreaking that he has died.”

Northamptonshire Police say they went to the scene at 10am after a call from a member of the public.

The air ambulance attended and flew Mr Holland to University Hospital Coventry, where he later died.

West Midlands Police, who cover the Coventry area, say Mr Holland’s death is not being reported as suspicious.

Corby is thought to have 30 rough sleepers and there is a tented encampment in Thoroughsale woods, near to Corby swimming pool.

Last month (September) a long fought campaign for a homeless shelter in the town was won and planning permission granted for a shelter on Cannock Road.

Charity Nightlight is now fundraising to raise the hundreds of thousands needed for the building conversion.

The town has a Help the Homeless project which provides meals twice weekly from the pavilion at West Glebe Park.

There is also a food kitchen run from St Andrew’s church in Occupation Road.