THE sudden death of a much-loved community man has sparked a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for his funeral costs.

Gerald Ashfield, of Clayton, passed away from a heart attack on 29 October at the age of just 56. A campaign was started this month, by his friend, Clayton Village Hall Trustee Amanda Harris, in the hope of raising a target of £1,500.

Gerald had made no provisions for himself in the event of his death, and as a result the Village Hall trustees are looking to raise the funds to "Give him the send off he really deserves", the GoFundMe page explains.

Gerald was born in Frome, Somerset, before moving to Lancaster and then Kent before settling in Clayton, Bradford, about 15 years ago.

He was a volunteer at Clayton Village Hall, Mind mental health charity, Clayton Community Cinema, Clayton Burns Society, Village Hall Cafe, Clayton Dickensian Market and Applause Theatre Company - "He was very community-spirited and was very involved", said Amanda Harris.

"Gerald didn't have much, but he gave so much", Amanda added.

"He would always offer to volunteer with various community causes and he struggled to say no. It's almost as if he couldn't do enough for people."

Gerald's GoFundMe page says, "He was a familiar face in Clayton and everyone knew him to be a very jolly, kind and helpful man."

The page also explains how he was a General Assistant at Lancaster City Football Club before moving to West Yorkshire, and was even voted as Club Man of the Year.

When in Clayton, "He lived on his own in his flat for over 10 years. He absolutely loved football and supported Bradford City, but sadly, he could never afford the match tickets."

Amanda says that Gerald actually "Did a lot for Bradford City" - the club's Community Foundation website explains how he attended a weekly training session given to a mental health group as a volunteer, "Supporting the team with registration, kit and drinks."

Amanda also mentioned that Councillor Carol Thirkill deserves special recognition for the way she helped Gerald.

She said, "Carol looked after Gerald more than anyone and deserves a lot of credit."

Cllr. Carol, who is of the Clayton and Fairweather Green ward, said, "Gerald was very involved in the Clayton community. He was always there and always provided a pair of willing hands, to help you out with anything.

"He was also very much involved at the Mind charity, where he would always turn up and do everything he could to help them.

"Gerald had a lot of friends in Clayton and in the surrounding areas. A lot of people who knew him from Frome, where he was born, have even got in touch with us recently and they are just as saddened as we are. He really was loved by all.

"We are now in the stages of planning his funeral and are expecting quite a turn-out.

"Gerald touched a lot of people's lives in a lot of ways."

Amanda added, "We are grateful for all who have donated to us so far. We would encourage everyone to donate to Gerald's cause, even with a small donation, as it all adds up.

"We want to give him the respect and dignity that he deserves."

To donate to the fundraising campaign, visit gofundme.com/f/help-gerald-have-a-wonderful-send-off