GoFundMe well-wishers donate £1,000s for funeral of 'angel' Blackpool animal-lover, 22, found dead
‘He was a tireless advocate who never wavered in his mission.’
Well-wishers have donated thousands of pounds to help pay for the funeral of a young animal lover who was found dead last week at the age of 22.
The GoFundMe page set up by Bailey Lister's family has already raised £5,576 of its £7,000 target. Bailey died last Thursday after what friends described as a campaign of online 'abuse and vitriol'.
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Bailey founded Hugo's Small Animal Sanctuary when he was just a teenager and ran it from a stable block in Hambleton. The North Shore-raised young man offered a refuge for unwanted small pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits as well as birds.
A spokesperson for his family said: "At just 22-years-old, Bailey had already dedicated a lifetime to the animals he loved so deeply, often putting their needs and welfare above all else. He was a tireless advocate who never wavered in his mission, even in the face of recent challenges, to Bailey, the animals always came first.
"Whether he was rushing to a late-night rescue or collaborating with other local organisations, his commitment to saving lives was unmatched. We are raising funds to honour Bailey's incredible legacy and to help his family cover his funeral expenses during this tragic time."
‘Angel’
Hundreds of people have posted online tributes to Bailey in the last week. Many describe him as an 'angel' whose kindness was known throughout the animal rescue world. Others, however, have commented on the abuse the young man received online during the months leading to his death.
Following an eviction from his Hambleton HQ Bailey was said to have suffered 'false rumours' online accusing him of animal abuse and a lack of care. Eliska Opiolova, who adopted her pet cat from Hugo's, said: "The amount of backlash and cruelty thrown at him online was completely unacceptable.
"Social media can be so unbelievably harsh and people forget there is a real human being reading those comments. Bailey deserved compassion, support and the chance to learn and grow, not trial by social media."
Donations to help pay for Bailey's funeral can be made here: Fundraiser by Hugo’s Small Animal Rescue : Bailey Joe Lister (Hugo’s Small Animal Rescue and Sanctuary)