Express & Star

Fundraising campaign to pay for Walsall veteran's funeral

A fundraising campaign has been launched for the funeral of an RAF veteran who died alone.

Published
The late Alan Goulding

Alan Goulding served in the Royal Air Force for 12 years in the 1970s as a chef.

He had attended Aldridge's Remembrance Day services every year until this year when members of the Royal British Legion became concerned at his non-appearance.

The 69-year-old was later found dead in his Walsall Wood flat.

Now a fundraising page has been launched to pay for Mr Goulding's funeral and the RBL has said anyone is welcome to attend his funeral.

The page has a target of £1,500 and more than £500 has already been raised in the days since it launched.

Aldridge RBL branch secretary Tam Miller said: "Alan was usually at each Remembrance Sunday and he didn't come up this year.

"His neighbours were also concerned so they phoned the police and he was unfortunately found dead in his flat.

"He served in the RAF as a chef and was a member of the Royal British Legion in Aldridge.

"He was a very quiet man who liked to sit and listen to stories but he had a good sense of humour.

"I thought we'd try and get him a decent send off and a proper funeral.

"The funeral directors William Mitchell Funerals have been really good and The Turtles Head micro-brewery is holding the wake.

"Anybody who wishes to come can come along, as we're not expecting many people will be there.

"It's a whole community thing, everyone is coming together to help."

Mr Goulding's funeral will be held at 10.45am on December 18 at Streetly Crematorium, followed by a wake at The Turtles Head, in Garden Croft, Aldridge.

For more information, or to donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/remembering-alan

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