More than £1,800 has been raised for charities in memory of travel agent Alan Godfrey, whose funeral is to be held later this month.
Godfrey, founder of travel agency New Era Travel and former owner of Ocean World Travel, passed away suddenly at the age of 56 on February 23.
A service in celebration of the travel agent – described as “a true friend to everyone” – will be held on March 20 and mourners have been asked to dress colourfully, preferably in blue and white.
Hampshire funeral directors Richard Steel & Partners posted funeral details alongside a tribute and fundraising page online, allowing donations to be made to organ donation awareness charity Live Life Give Life and Simon Says bereavement charity, which supports children in Hampshire and young people up to the age of 18 who have a significant person in their life who has died or is dying.
So far £1,837.50 has been raised in memory of the agent, who worked in the travel industry for the last 30 years and whose agency traded as a licensee under the Fred Olsen Travel umbrella.
The tribute read: “Alan was a devoted father to his two sons, Arran and Calan, a great mentor to his stepson William, a loving husband to Elena, a much-loved son of Dudley and the late Betty, an adored brother to Jayne and Clive, a cherished uncle, brother-in-law to David and a true friend to everyone.
“Alan’s legacy lives on through the lives he saved and transformed by donating his organs, and the countless others he will continue to help through contributions to medical research.”
Originally from Ipswich in Suffolk, the agent was described as dedicated to his family and to helping others.
Fred Olsen Travel retail director Paul Hardwick paid tribute to him, saying: “Alan was a friend to so many in the industry.”
His funeral will be held at Chesil House in Chesil Street, Winchester, on March 20 at 2.30pm.
Mourners are asked to confirm their attendance via email to alangodfreycelebrationoflife@outlook.com, or email for access to a live webcast.