Funeral appeal for disabled Blackpool fundraiser Dave Burns

An appeal has been started to help pay the funeral costs of a Blackpool fund-raiser who died last month.

David Burns, known as Dave to many, died on Wednesday, January 20 following a long illness at 79.

The disabled former athlete, who lived off Preston New Road in Marton, raised more than £750,000 for charities throughout his lifetime and was known for his tough challenges, such as climbing the Big One at the Pleasure Beach.

Jim Allan, the resort’s Poppy Appeal organiser, has set up a crowd-funding page to help pay the costs due to Dave’s family struggling to

find the desired £3,500.

Jim said: "I’m hoping the people of Blackpool can pull together during these difficult times and help Dave’s family say goodbye to a resort resident that gave a lot of time and effort to help people.

"Dave was known to many people in Blackpool as a central character around the town and for his unlimited charity support, including the Poppy Appeal, for which he gave 31 years’ service to.

"It would have been his 80th birthday in 2021 and he was planning to abseiling the Tower to mark both his birthday and centenary of The Royal British Legion."

He also carried the Olympic torch through Cleveleys in 2012 ahead of the London summer games, and was allowed to keep his torch afterwards. He donated it to the council two years ago.

Coun Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "Dave was a great champion of local people and charities. He was well known across the town and devoted to Blackpool FC. He will be greatly missed, our condolences and thoughts are with his family."

He also carried the Olympic torch through Cleveleys in 2012 ahead of the London summer games, and was allowed to keep his torch afterwards. He donated it to the council two years ago.