Fundraiser for Jon Ellerington (Teddy's Dad)

I think that it is safe to say I speak on behalf of many people in Hull and the surrounding area when I say that we are heartbroken by the news that Jon sadly lost his life on Saturday the 18th of December.

 

This fundraiser is to raise money to assist Jon's family with funeral costs during what is an extremely difficult time for them. There has been an absolute outpouring of love and condolences shared for Jon on social media and I know that many of you would like to pay the final good deed in Jon's memory to help his loved ones. If so, please share your memories of him.

 

Jon was known to many as a kind hearted and chatty man who could always be found at his usual spots on the streets of Hull. Like many people the world over, Jon battled his demons but he would keep them out of the light of the public and away from the doors of his family who did more than enough to try and help him over the years. People need to understand and educate themselves if need be that there is a difference between being homeless and a rough sleeper. Unless you have experienced life with someone with an addiction, you really should not cast aspersions. Addiction is an extremely complicated issue that pushes people away from their homes and families. Sadly not everyone wants help, no matter how hard anyone tries to give it to them. 

 

Society is quick to judge people by materialistic worth, pushed on us through social conditioning to deem value in things such as what possession's someone has, what brands they are wearing, what job title do they have, what educational achievements have they gained. Jon may not have ranked highly on these scales but what does it matter, he had a rich heart and I would much rather sit with someone like Jon than someone who thinks that values such as the above are the only things that define a person and give them worth.

 

Jon was one of the first people I met when moving to Hull and we shared a mutual love of dogs. He had a Staffordshire Bulldog called Niah who many will remember as well as at a later date little Teddy. Teddy absolutely adored Jon and he Ted.

 

The pair put a smile on the faces of many people who reached out to them to try and help them in one way or the other.

 

Weekends in the city centre will not be the same without you and Ted and you are already greatly missed by many.

 

Hopefully, wherever you are now Jon you are at peace with doggies by your side.

 

Fly high my friend x

 

 

*We can all learn a lot from what has happened. I would suggest that if you are worried about someone if they are dealing with addiction issues, mental health problems or homelessness/street life then please reach out to the following:

 

Homelessness / street sleeper:

. Raise The Roof Hull - A non-for profit organisation who run regular kitchen and breakfast clubs for people who are struggling as well as offer training and social skill development to support those who need help during difficult times - www.raisetheroofhull.co.uk

 

Substance abuse:

Drug and Alcohol Services - East Riding Partnership - The Trust has been involved in the delivery of substance misuse services since the 1980s. They are currently commissioned to deliver a variety of addiction services to the population of the East Riding of Yorkshire - www.humber.nhs.uk/services/east-riding-partnership.htm

 

Mental health:

Hub of Hope - The Hub of Hope is the UK’s leading mental health support database. It is provided by national mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, and brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place for the first time - www.hubofhope.co.uk

 

Andy's Man Club are also very prominent in Hull, mental health holds a huge stigma especially for men and they are breaking it down. It is okay to talk and ask for help, there is no shame in it - www.andysmanclub.co.uk

 

Please seek help if you or someone you know needs it. Like I said earlier, not everyone will want it but you must try to help yourself or others when in times of need or crises.