Lord Burge of Egham

Friends,

Our adored Andrew Burge was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma last winter, and despite undergoing every treatment the NHS could provide, he now has a short time left to live.

Burge’s ability to remain loving and to make people laugh, even at the most challenging times, is a testament to his authenticity and bravery. He has been nothing short of inspirational. There’s no way to express in this box everything we feel and want for him.

Burge has been an icon of Egham for as long as we have all known him. That’s no exaggeration, is it? From Pooleys to The Park, we’ve all shared a precious moment or two with him. But more than this, he’s the jolliest, gentlest, most empathetic man you’re ever likely to meet, with an enviable ability to squeeze every last drop from the lemon of life.

The money raised from this fundraiser will go towards any final wishes Burge may have, and towards the cost of a memorial. If we all gave a quid for every time we’ve laughed with him, he’d have the best send-off in history, and we’d all be broke.

Any contribution you can make is truly appreciated - nothing is too small to make an impact.

Much love and more x

Update 1: Thank you all so much for reaching the goal in such a short amount of time. Burge sends his love to you all. His family have requested we use this money towards a memorial. The current plan is that this will take the form of a bench or benches in his favourite spots in Egham. Somewhere we can all go and be with him. We will of course update this page as plans are realised. Thank you all once more. Your generosity is making a difference.

Love x

Update 2:

Hello friends.

We are devastated to tell you that our beloved Andrew Burge passed away, peacefully, on Sunday 12th November 2023.

We would have liked to tell each and every one of you individually. It is a testament to Burge and the reach and strength of his love and life that it is impossible to do so. Know that he loved you all, and that we made sure he knew how much you loved him.

We have contacted the Woodland Trust about placing a bench in his favourite spot at the top of Cooper's Hill, you probably know the one, and Runnymede Council about a bench in Walnut Tree Gardens. If anyone is worthy of being immortalized in those spots, it is him.

Thank you for going above and beyond our expectations with your donations. The more we raise the more we can honour his memory.

We send our love to you all in this difficult time. If anyone would like to talk or share stories please contact us. We need it as much as you do.

Love x