downsmail.co.uk Doreen Stephens


DOREEN Stephens (89), of Vinters Park, was known locally from her work volunteering at the Heart of Kent Hospice charity shop in Starnes Court, Maidstone. Doreen spent 16


years as a volunteer in the shop until it closed, becoming well known for preparing her own recipe for cheese on toast.


She then became a volunteer at MADM (Making a Difference to Maidstone) in


Church Street, serving in the second shop for three and a half years. Her funeral procession paused outside the MADM shop – which supports the local homeless and disadvantaged – where staff raised a mug in her honour. Born in Gravesend as Doreen


Wainwright, she met husband Terry and settled in Dartford, Snodland and Maidstone, before moving to Vinters Park. Doreen worked as a school dinner lady in Snodland and then in the canteen at Safeway’s distribution centre in Aylesford. She was mother to Therese and Marie. Therese said: “My mother enjoyed the company of others and was close and loving with her family. “My sister and I saw her every week and she stayed active until her final weeks; continuing her volunteering and taking cruises.”


Amanda Sidwell of MADM added: “Doreen was amazing for her age and a shining light of our shop.” Doreen, who was widowed in 2000,


leaves her daughters, grandchildren Sarah, Stephen and James (grandchildren David and Sean pre-deceased her), as well as great-grandchildren Nathan and Jessica.


Tommy Thwaites


THE death of Tommy Lee Thwaites (25) of Maidstone made local headlines. Tommy, a former pupil of Valley Invicta,


wanted a career in entertainment on a cruise ship, but also battled mental health


problems after a knife attack that left a scar on his nose.


Tributes by friends and family have mentioned the love that surrounded Tommy, but also his struggles to appreciate that. Tommy took his


own life on November 16, after a four-year struggle with his problems. Tommy, who was gay and could be outgoing and a “party animal”, is being celebrated with a funeral supported by fundraising for “Tommy’s Colourful Farewell” – an online campaign has been organised to gather collections.


Alfie Weedon


ALFIE Weedon (16) lived in Northiam from the age of three, but was known locally as a devoted follower of Maidstone United and to those who shared hospital time with him in Maidstone. Alfie, who died on December 2, was born with only half of his heart developed, and required regular hospital help from the specialist Brompton Centre.


He trained with Maidstone United’s Rangers squad, which offers football to those with a range of disabilities. The club paid tribute to Alfie at the Stones’ home game on December 10.


A Justgiving page has been established


by Alfie’s mother, Helen Barber, to raise money for the Brompton Centre. She said: “Alfie had been a fighter from the day he was born. Alfie bravely bore the many operations and long spells in hospital, with his devoted family by his side.” The Brompton Centre paid tribute to Alfie, who manned a raffle ticket stall for them five days before his death. They said: “Alfie will be remembered for his cheeky, funny personality, his big smile and his love of football. On every hospital stay, he


looked out for other patients and loved playing games with them and the staff. “He was an incredibly special young man who will be missed immensely.”


Mark Dallas


MARK Dallas (37) was assistant headteacher at Greenacre Academy in Walderslade.


He worked in the school in which he had been a pupil and lived all his life in Princes Park, Chatham.


Shelly Bridger, head of the academy, posted an online tribute stating: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Mr Dallas, ex-student, ICT teacher, ex-head of sixth form and current assistant headteacher passed away yesterday. “Mr Dallas worked


for the academy for over 20 years and transformed the teaching of ICT. His kindness and willingness to help meant he was loved by students, staff and the wider community.” Mark lived with his father, Nicky. His sister, Nicola, praised his courage and character. Many online tributes concentrated on Mark’s gifts as a teacher. A comment from Jason Winter said: “He turned my education around and got me back on the right path.” Dawn Parker added: “He will be so missed – an amazing teacher and a true gentleman.”


Dave Cloud


TRIBUTES have been paid to a motorcyclist who moved from London to Kent and was known for his charity work. Dave Cloud (62) was familiar amongst local bikers for his distinctive purple trike. Dave, who worked as a greengrocer and builder, was diagnosed with cancer at Christmas 2018 and was


admired by friends and family for his brave fight. His fellow


members of the Ohana Motorcycle Rally Club in Herne Bay were part of a


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large funeral, which included bikes. Dave has also been remembered for his


involvement in charity activities, including his club’s annual Easter egg and Christmas pyjama runs to local hospitals. Paying tribute on social media, Chloe Stow said: “Good man, heart of gold, always had time for everyone.” Dave leaves two children and six grandchildren, aged from two to 17.


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email neilnixon22@gmail.com Malling January 2020 23


Obituaries


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