AN ONLINE collection in memory of a popular Bowes man has raised more than £1,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNASS).
The fundraiser, set up by the family of Peter Mulley, 78, from Bowes, who died suddenly on May 1, was in lieu of a church collection.
With attendance to funerals limited due to Covid-19 restrictions, Mr Mulley’s family set up a JustGiving page in his memory.
Mr Mulley was well-known throughout Teesdale, having worked in and around the dale most of his life.
“Before having his own egg round, Mr Mulley worked on a number of farms before joining the highways department at Durham County Council where he spent 25 years.
Widow Yvonne Mulley said: “My son [Martin] set up the JustGiving page because we couldn’t have people at the church and there were so many people who wanted to pay their respects.”
As the cortege made its way to St Giles’ Church in Bowes, the streets were lined with friends and former workmates.
She added: “There were about 15 of his former colleagues from Durham County Council and just lots of people wanting to say goodbye.
“We chose GNAAS as it was my mother’s charity and I wanted to carry it on and living out in the country you just never know when you might need it.”
Daughter Deborah Holland added: “We’re delighted that it raised so much and if Peter was here he would have said, ‘well I am a popular guy you know’.”
The collection, which ran for nearly a month, raised £1,076.25 and was presented to Hannah Powell, from GNAAS.
She said: “We wouldn’t be able to do the things we do without this kind of donation, so we’re massively grateful to Yvonne and families like hers.
“We have seen an increase in the amount given because people haven’t been able to go to church.
“People haven’t been able to give at the church and it seems that these sort of collections have increased.
“Because of this we have looked at doing our own system, Much Loved, and it will make it a more of a tribute experience to help people in their darkest days.”
