THE community is mourning the loss of two great Andoverians who made a marked difference to the town through their respective roles over the course of their lives.

Yvonne Bradbury, 69, helped thousands of struggling people through her position running Andover Crisis and Support Centre for three decades.

Described as a “fantastic aunt” and “impressive campaigner”, Yvonne, of Newton Tony, died after a short battle with coronavirus on Sunday, February 7.

The following day, dedicated charity campaigner, Stephen Pugh, of King Arthur’s Way, died from unknown causes after suffering with Covid-19. He was in his fifties.

Stephen, who lived with a rare genetic disorder, raised tens of thousands of pounds for worthy causes over the course of his lifetime with the help of his wellknown assistance dog, chocolate brown Labrador, Scott, who tragically passed away this week, days after his owner, at the age of 12.

Paying tribute to Stephen, his sister Anne said: “He was kind until the very end.” She thanked the residents of Andover for “taking him in”, after he moved to the area with his wife Vanessa in 2000.

Also in this week’s paper:

  • Council Tax to increase by £2.50 next year
  • Andover-based insurance broker Be Wiser announces joblosses 
  • Plans put forward to build 270-home project in Whitchurch
  • Inquest held for 'kind and generous' Andover man who took his own life
  • Andover woman nominated for two gongs in beauty awards
  • Police to patrol Floral Way after a man tried to get two teenage girls get in his car
  • Two pages of YOUR letters
  • And much, much more
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