Homeless man dies after being found in undergrowth at Corby park

John Holland died yesterday (Monday) after suffering a cardiac arrest on Sunday.

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.

It is thought he was found by a dog walker who came to his aid before calling for the emergency services.

Dennis Binks who until recently ran the Corinthian Church Homeless Mission in Corby has 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.”

Mr Binks, who earlier this year called on Corby Council to do more to help the town’s homeless community, said a memorial service would take place so that his friends could pay tribute.

It will be held at 11am on Sunday, November 18, at Corby Volunteer Service in Elizabeth Street, Corby, and all are welcome to attend.

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.

The Bureau of Investigative journalism’s Dying Homeless campaign to record and report on homeless deaths revealed yesterday that at least 449 homeless people have died on the country’s streets in the past year.

Seven homeless people died in Northampton last winter.

Following the investigation the office of national statistics has said it will now produce its own estimates of homeless deaths.