An appeal has been launched to find people who could spare time to attend the funeral of a British soldier. Alex McDougall was a war hero who served his country for 30 years.
Sadly when Alex – who suffered from dementia – passed away on 8 June, aged 77, after a battle with cancer, staff from Beeston Lodge Nursing Home where Alex lived for 18 years realised there would be no mourners at his funeral.
Alex, they say, was “married to the job” and at his time of death had no known friends or relatives.
Now, they’ve called upon the public to join them at Alex’s funeral, tomorrow at 3:45pm at Bramcote Crematorium. They’ve also asked for anyone with a connection to the military or Chetwynd Barracks to attend and help celebrate Alex’s life.
“He has no living family and no friends we are aware of so it is unlikely anyone will be at his funeral,” Aisha Morrell, activities and welfare manager at the home in Beeston Rylands, said. “He was very much married to the job.
“He served his country, and he was such a nice man. It doesn't seem any way for a send-off.”
Bev Hamilton who manages the home added: “I just feel like he deserves some sort of a send-off. His life was the Army. He was very popular within the home. He didn't have any visitors but when other people came to see their relatives he was always friendly.
“I kept him up to-date with the football scores. He was a lovely chap and such a big character.”
Alex was a big Rangers FC fan and the club have confirmed his ashes will be scattered at the Ibrox stadium. They have also called upon people to take some time to pay their respects to Alex.