Donations flood in as popular fund-raiser returns to market
A BLIND fund-raiser who was moved on from his prime spot near the Eagle Market has returned – and delighted donors have been dropping £10 notes in his box.
Cliff Beck managed to raise thousands of pounds by spending much of last year outside the Mobility at Home store, in Theatre Walk.
But last month he was told that he had to move by Derby City Council, which claimed he was blocking a fire exit.
The decision sparked outrage among local traders and donators.
Now the 63-year-old and his dog, Nick, have been given a spot inside the Mobility at Home store, just one metre behind where they used to sit.
Mr Beck, of Keble Close, Derby, said: "I'm really happy to be back. I've had loads of people come up to me and say they saw the article in the Derby Telegraph.
"They've said they thought the council was being stupid in saying I was blocking a fire exit.
"Then some of them put £5 or £10 notes in my box. I haven't counted it all yet but it's bound to be a lot.
"Even the girls at the fruit and veg shop next door came up to me and donated their tips – I'm really pleased."
A spokesman for Mobility at Home said he had been keen to help Mr Beck.
He said: "A lot of people expect him to be there. We've found a corner for him so that people can take advantage of the good work he's doing for the Derbyshire Association for the Blind."
The news was welcomed by the charity, which described it as a "swift and positive conclusion".
Alan McConville, business manager of Derbyshire Association of the Blind, said: "Derby City Council has been supportive of us and Mr Beck and has worked with us to find a constructive solution.
"Mr Beck and his guide dog Nick will continue to raise money for us in a position that is safe for both him and the Eagle Market's visitors.
"We would like to thank the Derby public for their fantastic support over the past week, Mobility at Home for providing an opportunity for Cliff to collect safely and The Eagle Market Traders' Association for their continued support."
A Derby City Council spokeswoman confirmed that Mr Beck had been moved because he was blocking a fire exit.
She said: "We've worked with the charity and we're pleased that we've come up with an agreeable solution that means that Mr Beck can now collect from within the mobility stall itself.
"We applaud Mr Beck's fundraising initiatives and we remain committed to helping charities to raise funds but in a safe environment."
10 Comments
by anonymous, derby
Thursday, March 11 2010, 3:56PM
“Cliff collects two weeks a month for Guide Dogs and two weeks a month for DAB. He is very clear which one he is collecting for on each occasion. As Cliff is registered Blind it would be very difficult for him to collect for DAB without his guide dog, or do anything else for that matter. Guide Dogs don't pay for the upkeep of his dog Nick, Cliff does.
Should councils have the power to stop someone standing quietly in the street collecting for a local charity? He is only offering a chance to support people less well off and the difference those charities can make to people like him. We need more people like Cliff.”
by Anne, derbyshire
Thursday, March 11 2010, 3:36PM
“Is Councillor Bayliss suggesting that that Mr Beck was moved by Lib Dem councillors rather than a council employee, who would presumably come under the non-political Chief Executive? Looks like cheap points scoring to me.
But well done the shop for providing a sensible solution.”
by Cllr Paul Bayliss, Alvaston
Thursday, March 11 2010, 2:08PM
“Sorry Ian, the Lib dems control the council. Cliff is one of my fellow residents and I am proud to support him.”
by DerbyBorn, Derby
Thursday, March 11 2010, 2:07PM
“I happen to think it is absolutely essential that collections are controlled in public spaces in some way to ensure "fair play" to the various charities and to protect us from being overwhelmed with collections.
...but good luck to Mr Beck.”
by burtonftw, derby
Thursday, March 11 2010, 1:46PM
“even if it is the council that has allowed him to operate in the market again, it really shows that the original decision was enforced by some non-job busybody who hopefully will have no job post election.
1 bloomin' metre. wow.”
by MotherBudgie, Derby
Thursday, March 11 2010, 1:10PM
“I agree that Mr. Beck does a fantastic job. However, DAB and Guide Dogs are two completely different charities, both run entirely by donations. Surely, if you use a dog provided by one charity to raise funds for another, some of the proceeds should be shared. After all, is it not Mr. Beck¿s dog that draws the attention?”
by ramfangazman, Spondon
Thursday, March 11 2010, 12:31PM
“Mother Budgie, are you suggesting that he's not doing enough for charity?
your comment strikes me as odd, but everyone is entitled to theire oppinion i suppose!
Good Luck Mr. Beck.”
by Mother Budgie, Derby
Thursday, March 11 2010, 11:37AM
“I hope he is going to share some of his takings with Guide Dogs for the Blind. After all, they provided and pay for the upkeep of his dog.”
by ian, derby
Thursday, March 11 2010, 10:44AM
“Have they really Cllr Paul?
Reads to me like it is management of the Mobility at Home shop that have stepped in to resolve this, not council bureaucrats (which presumably come under your control, or the control of one of your collegues?)”
by Cllr Paul Bayliss, Alvaston
Thursday, March 11 2010, 10:22AM
“Great news! The council bureaucrats have seen sense.”