A NEW fund to help carers facing financial difficulty is set to be launched in memory of a beloved Chard man.

Paul Dobbs campaigned for more provisions for carers and disabled people in Chard, and hoped to launch his own charity supporting carers.

However, he sadly died on November 2, 2019, before the trust could be set up.

Instead, Paul’s family and friends will launch the Paul Dobbs Memorial Fund with a fundraising event in May.

Connor Payne, who campaigned alongside Paul last year, described him as ‘a man who was known by many in Chard for his passion for the local community’.

“Paul was a carer for his wife, Janet, and a dad to Tori - both were left incredibly broken by Paul’s passing,” Connor added.

“At his funeral, I had the pleasure of reading an accolade about Paul on behalf of his friends and the public. I was honoured to pay tribute to Paul - a true gentleman, a colleague and a friend to many.”

In his eulogy, Connor described Paul as ‘one of the most inspirational men I have ever met’.

“Shortly before his passing, he began to get involved in securing more provisions for carers and the disabled in Chard,” Connor said.

“He stood as in the 2015 local elections, and was prepared to do so again under Britain Together, an organisation he helped me to create.

“Paul was an advocate for local reform, especially in the care and crime sector.

“A couple of weeks before he passed away, I had the pleasure of meeting them one final time - a meeting where we promised ourselves we would do something positive in our community.”

It was here that Paul revealed his plans to set up a new charity with his wife Janet, to help carers in financial difficulty and give the cared for access to the help they need.

Connor added: “Out of respect for a man that put others before himself - a man of kindness, respect and charity - I am launching a memorial fund in his name, The Paul Dobbs Memorial Fund.”

The fund will have a lack tie launch event on May 8, at Hornsbury Mill, Chard.

It will run from 7pm. Tickets cost from £25 to £35, and there will be a raffle.

For more, visit the Facebook page ‘Charity Event in Memory of Paul Dobbs’.