THE COMMUNITY has paid tribute to one of the founding members of a Windsor charity.
David Flanagan, who was part of the West Windsor Hub, died in the early hours of Wednesday, July 13 at the age of 48.
He set up the charity at the start of the pandemic with his sister Carole Da Costa, who is a councillor for RBWM, and Carolyn Carter.
The group helped many people in the local community by delivering a service to those who needed support during the Covid pandemic.
The team collected prescriptions, shopping and offered friendly phone calls to individuals who were isolated in the lockdowns.
READ MORE: Leisure centres to offer free one-hour swimming sessions to teens in summer holidays
Now the charity has paid tribute to David after he made a ‘profound impact’ in Windsor in the four years he lived here.
A post, written by Carole’s husband Wisdom Da Costa, a councillor for RBWM, said: “David’s disabilities, medical issues and difficult life events did not hamper him from helping people.
“In fact, David was gifted at reaching out to people on the edges of society, those in difficult life circumstances, those whom most people don’t engage with, and draw them into a place of greater safety and surety, even leading some to find peace in Jesus.”
David was also a PCC member of All Saints Church, Dedworth, and was active in community outreach programmes including More than a Shelter, which helped the homeless.
Cllr Da Costa added: “With a large six-foot plus frame, David was a quiet giant, with an unfiltered sense of humour and joie-de-vivre; someone who people could rely on if the going got rough."
ALSO READ: Long-serving MP reveals why he is stepping down at next general election
He said David has a “high, but hidden impact” on the residents of Windsor.
Cllr Da Costa explained: “He really came into his own with Carolyn Carter and Carole Da Costa when they started the West Windsor Hub which has gone on to help hundreds if not thousands of Windsorians in their times of need.
“His presence and strength will be missed as will his direct, irreverent and impish sense of humour.
“We are assured to see him again soon, if we believe in Jesus, that eases our sense of loss."
A Just Giving page has also been set up to raise funds for his funeral.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here