Tesco worker, 55, who died suddenly with no close family to have his ashes scattered in supermarket CAR PARK
A TESCO worker who died without any family is to have his ashes scattered – in the supermarket CAR PARK.
Andy Hughes was a cherished member of staff who manned the checkout at a store in Stroud, Glocs, ever since it opened 27 years ago.
His sudden death aged 55 from respiratory failure on March 26 left colleagues in shock.
But now they have discovered that Andy – who had learning difficulties – faces a simple, council funeral this Friday as his next of kin could not be located.
They have now employed a genealogist in a desperate bid to track down any living relatives.
If it proves a success, the family member could claim a death-in-service benefit which would cover the cost of a decent funeral.
But if not, workers plan to scatter Andy's ashes in a memorial garden within the grounds of the Stratford Road store, where he worked since 1990 – with the consent of a family member.
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The store's personnel manager, Helen Skinner, said: “Andy was one of our original members and we all had an emotional attachment to him – we were his family, really.
"It's just so sad to think that we may not be able to give Andy the send-off and remembrance he deserves.''
Andy, who lived in sheltered accommodation in Stroud, was described as a key figure in the community.
Helen said there was "nobody in the area that didn't know him" and that he "had a heart of gold."
"He was always enthusiastic about getting involved in any special events we had, like Children In Need.
"He was always up for dressing up and we even have a photo of him in a bath of beans.
"He was forever raising money, so it's only right we do the same for him."
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Andy worked at the store since the day it opened 27 years ago and was a really big part of our in-store family in Stroud – popular with colleagues and customers alike.
“His funeral is on Friday and all those who worked with Andy want to make sure that he gets the memorial that he deserves. But to do that they need to track down his next-of-kin, and no-one has yet come forward.
“If anyone related to Andy is reading this we would encourage them to contact Helen Skinner, Andy’s people manager at Stroud.
"Andy’s colleagues are really hoping that a relative will come forward so that they can organise a fitting memorial, as he is missed by everyone who knew him.”
His funeral service will take place at Gloucester Crematorium on Friday at 10am, followed by a wake for friends and colleagues at Stratford Road Tesco.
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