A Tribute to Fred Booth – Longstanding Trustee of Disabled Living
It was with great sadness I learnt of the passing of Fred Booth.
Fred was one of the longest serving Trustees of Disabled Living and had joined the Board when the future of the charity looked very bleak. In the early days he was instrumental in raising funds through a number of events he helped to organise. His efforts certainly meant Disabled Living could survive those difficult times and become the strong organisation it is today.
When I joined, Fred had already been involved with Disabled Living for probably 2 years and I always found him someone who was always willing to help solve a problem, whatever is was and in whatever area of life. I was trying to organise a football legends evening for the company I worked for. A quick chat with Fred, a meeting with Gary Owen, who is now a trustee too, and the event went from a vague concept to one of the best evenings our customers had. None of it would have been possible without Fred’s involvement.
Not long after that, I remember Fred coming to a Disabled Living meeting, saying he was going to be a pop star and would have a number one record. He was involved in producing a record for the 2014 world cup, shot in The Printworks, involving a number of Manchester celebrities. In keeping with his caring attitude for others less fortunate, any profits the record made would go to charity. I honestly don’t know if it got to Number 1, but I am sure it raised a lot of money. I have even managed to find a link – see below.
We will never be able to replace Fred on the Board, he was a one off, great character, considerate and fun loving, always able to offer sound, intelligent advice.
I have no doubt he has managed to get the best seat in the house to watch his beloved Manchester City from above.
Fred, thank you. You will be missed.
Dean Styger
Chairman, Disabled Living
It was both an honour and a pleasure to work with Fred, both as a fellow trustee of Disabled Living and as a proud Mancunian.
One of my fondest memories was during my time as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, when my wife Joanne and I were invited to visit Volition, a charity which was launched by Manchester Cathedral.
Group photo for Volition launch
Volition believes that volunteering can play a huge role in tackling poverty and social exclusion, ultimately reducing unemployment. They upskill, retrain and move their volunteers on to bigger and better things, with the support of an extensive and award winning Employer Partnership.
Fred, as director, had allowed Volition to create a roof garden at The Printworks where volunteers grow all sorts of luscious vegetables.
He proudly showed us huge cabbages and cherry tomatoes grown by hydroponics (in a watery solution of mineral nutrients instead of soil). There were also four hives full of hardworking Manchester bees.
View of roof garden
It was such a beautiful and restful place, with bees, butterflies and lots of delicious looking vegetables and fruits. A little oasis in the centre of the city.
It is also Fred to a tee, always looking for a way to help people and to give something back to Manchester.
He was a very generous and special man, who will be sorely missed.
Gerry Yeung OBE, DL
President, Disabled Living
Fred was approached to head up a Fundraising Committee for Disabled Living called the Big Hitters in 2002 and attend Trustee meetings and subsequently joined the charity as a Trustee in 2005.
Fred had the most amazing ‘little black book’ of contacts due to his business and network connections around Manchester. Over the years there had been challenging times for Disabled Living and Fred was always very generous with his time to help us find solutions. We had a major fire at our premises Redbank House, Cheetham in 2009 and Fred was able to guide me in very unfamiliar territory with contractors, insurance people and anything that could and did crop up. As Disabled Living went from strength to strength Fred was always available to offer a guiding hand as we embarked on new projects.
Fred was a very kind man, with a big heart and will be sadly missed.
Debra Evans
Chief Executive, Disabled Living
The Printworks are raising £30,000 to purchase new Dialysis machines
Fred’s colleagues at The Printworks have set up a donation page on behalf of Fred’s family in hope to raise enough funds to purchase a new Dialysis machine for the hospitals that tended to Fred. If people would like to contribute it would be greatly appreciated.
To make a donation visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dialysismachinecalledfred
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