Tributes paid after beloved after Chelsea Big Issue vendor dies aged 57

A Big Issue vendor’s loyal customers have called for him to be given a plaque on his pitch after he passed away earlier this month.

Darren and his dog Pip had become a well-loved pairing in the King’s Road, Chelsea, over the years. He died from a suspected heart attack on January 5, aged just 57.

Following his passing, floral tributes have been left on his pitch while members of the community are pulling together for a more permanent way to keep his memory alive.

A group of his most loyal customers are looking to arrange for a plaque to be placed on his pitch outside the Everyman Cinema, or exploring the possibility of creating a statue of Pip.

Jerri Corbett, a Big Issue sales and outreach worker, paid tribute to Darren and the “outpouring of love” from his customers following his death.

He said: “Darren was well-known and very well-liked in his community.  He was kind-hearted and a real character.

“It is a real loss to all of us who knew and worked alongside him. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who ever supported Darren. Your outpouring of love has overwhelmed us.”

Big Issue vendors like Darren earn their income by buying copies of the Big Issue for £2 and selling them for £4, keeping the £2 profit. 

The Big Issue also provides support with wellbeing, housing, financial management and more to all its vendors and more people living in extreme poverty.

Pictured top: Darren and his dog Pip (Picture: Andrew Jones)