Beloved Northampton man dies months after cancer diagnosis as friends rally for funeral
A Northampton man described by friends as “one of life’s true characters” has died less than six months after being diagnosed with cancer.
Richard French, known affectionately as Frenchy, died aged 58 after a short battle with the disease.
A fundraising appeal has now been launched by his close friend and next of kin, Steve Payne, to help give him “the send off he deserves”.
Richard, who had no close family to arrange his funeral, was well known by friends across Northampton.
On the GoFundMe page, Steve said many people would have known Frenchy “over a pint at the Sun or the Red Lion, through work, or simply through friendship”.
He added that Richard had spent his life working hard, including in sheep farming and lambing, flooring, landscaping and labouring alongside his mates.
Steve said Richard had been “failed by the system” after being diagnosed with cancer, before he died less than six months later.
The fundraiser has already raised thousands of pounds, surpassing its original £5,000 target, with more than 100 donations made.
Steve said: “Frenchy had no family to arrange his funeral, but he leaves behind a huge family of friends who loved him dearly.
“We are coming together to give him the send off he deserves.
“Any donations will help cover funeral costs and give Frenchy the farewell he would have wanted.”
Any money left after the funeral will be donated to Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
The appeal adds: “If you can donate, thank you. If not, please share this page.
“Let’s give Frenchy the send off a good friend deserves.”
The fundraising page can be found on GoFundMe by searching for Richard French ‘Frenchy’.