Tributes paid to ‘hero’ who spent his life volunteering in Eastbourne

Andrew Holter, a funeral director from Eastbourne, died aged 48 on June 15 and left behind a glowing legacy.

Andrew was a frequent volunteer in and around Eastbourne for a range of organisations, such as St John Ambulance, Eastbourne Pride, Street Pastors, Sea Cadets and Police Cadets.

Greg Draven, 48, has been friends with Andrew for over 35 years and spoke of his profound impact.

He said: “He has been huge in the community. It’s been a real shock.

“He was always at events, he was a member of the police cadets and was normally at their parades, he was instrumental in getting Eastbourne carnival back up and running.

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“I knew him through his volunteering with St John Ambulance Service.

“He gave his time to making sure people were looked after.

“This loss is going to be felt by so many people. It’s heartbreaking, he was the kindest man.”

Eastbourne Pride has also paid tribute to the father-of-two, who volunteered annually as a senior steward for the event.

They said: “Every year, Andrew played a vital role in the Eastbourne Parade as a senior steward, managing all road closures along the route to ensure the safety of our visitors.

“His dedication was the cornerstone of our parade’s success, as he was the only volunteer authorised to handle these crucial responsibilities.

“We are profoundly grateful to Andrew for making the Parade possible each year, especially when others were less forthcoming with support.”

This year, Eastbourne’s Pride Parade will be dedicated to Andrew’s memory.

The Southwick unit of St John Ambulance also shared a post in memory of him.

It reads: “A family man, a friend, an SJA colleague, someone you could always turn to in the need of the good, bad and ugly.

“A man you could confide in 100%.

“Your smile, laughter, humour and demeanour were infectious.”

Tributes flooded in on a Facebook post shared by Burgess Hill funeral director CPJ Field, who Andrew worked for.

The post reads: “Andy’s work both within our CPJ Field family business and in the varied and great many voluntary and community organisations he was involved in and selflessly gave of his time to support, means that he touched the lives of many, who like us will be saddened by his death.”

A Go Fund Me has been set up to support his two children and wife Cherie, which has already reached over £6,000.

Greg has also organised a candlelight vigil at Bankers Corner, Eastbourne, on Saturday, June 22 at 8pm.

Attendees are advised to bring their own jar with a candle or tealight to pay their respects to Andrew.