Fundraiser for funeral of 'much loved' pub boss after attack at Staffordshire bar nears its target
The fundraiser is less than £800 away from its £12,000 target.
A fundraiser aiming to raise £12,000 towards the funeral of a 'much loved' pub boss who died after an attack at a bar in Staffordshire is near it’s target.
Matt O’Gara was killed following an incident at the Ricco and Loren wine bar in Lichfield’s Market Street on Sunday, May 24.
Mr O’Gara, who was a director of The Plough pub in the nearby village of Huddlesford, was one of two people to be injured following a fight in the wine bar.
But after being rushed to hospital, he sadly died two days later.
Now an online fundraiser has been launched to raise money for his funeral, with any remaining donations being pledged to a brain injury charity.
The campaign organiser, Elaine Hutchings, said she was organising the fundraiser on GoFundMe on behalf of Mr O’Gara’s partner and family to give him “the farewell he deserves”.
So far, the fundraiser has raised just over £11,200 of it’s £12,000 target.
A post on the fundraising page said: “Matt was a much loved member of our community and this tragedy has left unimaginable pain for so many people.
“You can not prepare or comprehend for this kind of tragedy and at such a young age.”
She described him as a “kind” man who was “so full of life with so much to look forward to”.
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“Without knowing, Matt was the gel between pockets of friends and he seamlessly 'Matted' those groups together, forming an environment where you could simply walk in alone and sit in with anyone because he’d bought togetherness,” Elaine said.
“Those who were once strangers or pub acquaintances, are now close friends and much larger groups and ‘rounds’.
“A tireless work ethic inside work and a fan of football, live music and travel outside…Matt leaves a loving partner, family and an overwhelming legacy of friendship and overarching goodness...the void left by Matt will be incomprehensible for many people and many years to come.
“I know so many want to come together to support in any way possible.
“A community in solidarity wrapping their arms around the people that meant the most to Matt. All of the donations will go towards the cost of the funeral.
“Anything above that will be donated to a brain injury charity. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Billy Allison, aged 36, of Cropthorne Road, Shirley, Solihull, appeared at Stafford Crown Court last week accused of the murder and grievous bodily harm with intent.
He was remanded into custody to await a plea and trial preparation date in September.
Allison is a founding member of Raise the Colours and Operation Stop The Boats, a movement that crowdfunds so activists can hoist the Union Flag and the St George’s Cross across UK town centres.
Following his death, tributes poured in for Mr O’Gara.
Lichfield Rugby Union Football Club, who described Mr O’Gara as ‘one of our Rugby family’, paid tribute to their lost loved one, and offered their condolences in this tragic time.
The club said: “It is with regret and deep sadness that we share the tragic news of the death of one of our rugby family.
“Matt was a friend of the club and a very generous and valued sponsor. Himself, Becky and friends were ever present at our matches, lunches and events.
“He was also pivotal in the introductions of new members, businesses and sponsors to the club - he will be sorely missed.
“From everyone at the club we would like to offer our deepest condolences to all of Matt’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider Plough family. Rest in peace.”
To donate to the fundraiser visit gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-matt-ogara-the-farewell-he-deserves