A MEMORIAL fund for a murdered vicar has been set up to help the homeless.
The Rev John Suddards, ex-vicar of St Nicolas Church in Chipping Hill, Witham, was murdered by a homeless drifter in his new parish last February.
Stephen Farrow, 49, was jailed for life for his murder in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, in November last year.
But in memory of the Rev Suddards, 59, a much-loved vicar at St Nicolas for ten years, fellow parishioners decided to set up a charity in his name.
Andrew Holt, 46, is one of those involved with the John Suddards Memorial Fund.
"We wanted to do something to keep his name alive," said Andrew. "We felt it would be a good idea to have his name attached to something that would help others."
One of the ways in which the money was to be spent was by making a donation to the Rev Suddards's old theological college, Queen's College in Birmingham, for study books. However, the group's ultimate plan is to create a lasting legacy in the reverend's name.
"We are helping a charity called Emmaus," said Andrew. "It has a house in Colchester and provides homeless people with a trade. They take in damaged furniture and they repair it.
"By doing that they give homeless people something to do, which gives them some self-worth."
The group, led by Georgia Palmer, Shirley Lott and Andrew, has big plans for the fund, which has so far raised £4,000.
"Our grand scheme, if we get lots of money, what we would love to do is to start one up in Chelmsford. There's a crying need for it," said Andrew.
The reverend's body was found on February 14 by workmen. He had been stabbed seven times.
His murderer left a Bible open on his chest before staying at the vicarage overnight, drinking beer and watching films.
The Rev Suddards's caring nature was the reason why he invited Farrow into his home, but it was also the reason people in Witham knew and loved him.
"He quickly established himself as being a really lovely, likeable rector," continued Andrew. "He was basically characterised by being caring and loving. He was one of the most caring men you could hope to meet and ultimately that's what led to his death.
"That was the way John was. I would say that had he not died, he would do it again. That exemplified the way he led his life.
"He was a very much loved rector at the church. We were already missing him – mourning him – after he left us the previous July, so his death came as a great shock."
To donate to the fund, go to www. justgiving.com/JohnSuddards or www.johnsuddardsmemorialfund.org
