Well-known Bristol man died in tragic fall while putting up Union Flags as part of the ‘Raise the Colours’ initiative.
Paul Lumber, 60, was a published author of books about the days of football casuals in the 1980s.
Tributes have been paid to the Bristol City fan, who was one of the main members of the City Service Firm – a ‘casuals’ scene of the football teams back in the day.
He suffered serious injuries when he fell while putting up flags near his home in South Bristol on November 23.
He was rushed to hospital but never woke up from an induced coma, and passed away late last week.
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Back in October, Paul had begun an online fundraising campaign to raise money for more flags, and was one of many people in South Bristol who spent their spare time tying both Union and St George flags to lampposts.
His online fundraiser, which began in late October, had raised more than £1,000 from scores of people pledging their support for his ‘Raise the Colours’ campaign, before tragedy struck on November 23.
While he was in hospital, close friends set up a second online fundraiser for Paul, a 60-year-old painter and decorator by trade, and his family, which has so far raised more than £5,000 to support them.
‘He was widely regarded as one of the area’s most colourful and recognisable characters,’ said a close friend.
‘A painter and decorator by trade, Mr. Lumber was a lifelong Bristol City and England supporter who followed both club and country with unwavering devotion.
‘Mr. Lumber had recently married Michele, his partner of 23 years. Friends described him as a man whose world revolved around those he loved,’ he added.
The landlord of the Three Lions pub in Bedminster, Sean Donnelly, said he grew up with Paul, and was devastated by his death.
‘All his stories situations were unique and unbelievable, and if in a trench in a situation, you wanted Paul shoulder to shoulder with you – that was Paul,’ Sean said.
‘But of all his achievements, marrying Michele was his biggest achievement – it was a wonderful day celebrating with the good, the bad, the ugly, but most importantly the best people,’ he added.
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