Norwich: Fundraisers for Steven Cole funeral's family search

Steven Cole, of Gertrude Road in Norwich's NR3 area, died aged 56, on Wednesday, May 3 and the city's coroner's office has been trying to contact his daughter ever since.

It is thought she is living in Spain, but so far the search has proved unsuccessful.

So Mr Cole's neighbours have come together to give their friend the send-off he deserves, saving him from a pauper's funeral.

Donna Allison, Mr Cole's next-door neighbour, and Sue Flanagan, a childhood friend living in King's Lynn, have launched a campaign to raise £1,000 to pay for a direct funeral.

Steven Cole who died aged 56 (Image: Donna Allison)

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The pair plan to scatter his ashes on his mother's grave in his home town of Letchworth, in Hertfordshire.

Ms Allison said: "I was Steve's neighbour and we always got on, it was so sad to hear they couldn't find any of his family.

"Then I heard he could have a pauper's funeral and that was when we decided to do something. No one deserves that.

"As well as the fundraising we're also trying to see if we can find anyone, Sue is currently researching his school connections.

Norfolk Coroner's Court in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

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"Alongside the funeral we want to scatter his ashes on his mother's grave, who he lost at a young age. He always visited the grave when he went back home.

"We're trying to get as much as possible for the funeral.

"He was very big on the rave scene back in the day, so many people may remember him from that."

Steven Cole in a school photo (Image: Donna Allison)

Just days after Mr Cole's death his beloved cat, who had lived with him for years, also died and the pair are hoping to cremate the two at the same time.

Anyone wishing to donate to Mr Cole's funeral fundraiser can do so on Sue Flanagan's page at crowdfunder.co.uk.