A fundraiser has been launched to raise money for a memorial bench for a 'great character' who tragically died in a caravan fire.

Police said David Goddard's death in a fire on a farm in Witney in February was being treated as unexplained.

Bouquets and flowers were left on top of a gate and down a track on farmland just off Woodstock Road the day after his death while many shared their shock and sadness at the news on social media.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up with a target of £900 which it is close to reaching.

A message written by the organiser Karen Hiller says: "I'm fundraising to purchase a memorial bench in memory of a well-known face of Witney.

Witney Gazette:

"David also known as Farmer Giles. Farmer David passed away on 16/02/2023. It was such a tragedy and I thought then bench would be a lovely place for his family and friends to go and sit and catch a few memories."

David, who was 67, lived alone and worked on the farm.

Friends described him as 'a great character'.

One said: “I've known him for 35 years, we would go for beers. He's just a good old boy.

"Dave was a local celebrity, everyone knew him. He talked to everyone, he was just a really nice, popular guy.”

A force spokesperson said: “The investigation into the fire in which a man tragically died in Woodstock Road, Witney, is ongoing.

“We would continue to appeal to anybody who has information and has not yet made contact with Thames Valley Police to do so via 101 or the website, quoting reference 43230072790.”

The fundraiser can be found at https://gofund.me/9c813245

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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