Tributes pour in as ‘selfless’ LGBT volunteer and campaigner dies aged 32
Darren Batey sadly passed away just weeks after organising a town’s first ever Pride festival.
Darren Batey – who worked as volunteers manager for Bolton’s inaugural Pride event – tragically passed away over the weekend, according to North West Evening Mail.
Friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to the young activist on social media – including Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton and Labour MP for Ilford North Wes Streeting.
Condolences were also shared by the charities which Mr Batey worked so tirelessly to support.
Mr Batey’s work towards LGBT equality included serving as an ambassador at One Young World and working with The Albert Kennedy Trust and Outdoor Lads, to name but a few.
He also recently hosted a fundraising dinner in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research, Dementia UK, Toffs and Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Friends have set up a crowdfunding appeal in Mr Batey’s honour in the wake of his death.
‘Darren’s Farewell Fund’ – which has so far raised over £5000 – was set up by his friend, David Apsley-Thompson, in aid of a man he says had an “immeasurable and invaluable” impact on the lives of so many people.
“Darren touched the lives of so many people all over the world and had an amazing ability to bring people together,” the page reads.
“His commitment to third sector fundraising and volunteering was beyond selfless and the impact he has had on so many lives is immeasurable and invaluable.
“Darren sadly passed away over the weekend and has left a huge void in so many of our hearts, no one more so than his parents, sisters and family in Cumbria,” it adds.
“Darren put so many others before himself every day of his life, and now it’s time to give back a little piece of the love he gave us all to help support his family through this difficult time and ensure Darren gets the send off he deserves.”
You can visit the page here.
