Outdoor celebration for Worthing Facebook page founder due to 'unprecedented demand'

Steve Blaikie, 58, passed away peacefully while asleep at home, in his garden, in Juno Close, Goring, on June 22.

He was best known as the founder of the Worthing Past and Present Facebook page, which has around 30,000 members.

His funeral will take place at Worthing Crematorium on Monday, July 13 - but due to social distancing restrictions, limited numbers are able to attend.

But because so many people want to pay their respects, a celebration of his life will be held shortly before his funeral, at 3.15pm, at Worthing Rugby Club in Roundstone Lane, Angmering.

In a statement from Ian Hart Funeral Services, it said there had been 'unprecedented demand' to attend, adding: "There is no doubt Steve would have smashed all attendance records at Worthing Crematorium, but in the Covid 19 pandemic this is the most sensible option for everybody to be able to remember this very special person."

The service will take place on the pitch directly in front of the club house, safe social distancing will be in operation and there will be ample car parking and toilet facilities.

It will last 30 mins, after which Steve’s family will travel to the crematorium for a private committal, and everyone else will be invited to make their way to The Smugglers pub in Ham Road, Worthing, where the wake will take place.

Those that wish to attend should contact Steve's son Phil Blaikie on Facebook or through the Worthing Past and Present Facebook page.

Donations in Steve’s memory can be sent to one of his favourite charities online or to the following address:

Friends of Worthing Hospital

Chestnut Tree House

Or The Bluebell Railway

c/o Ian Hart Funeral Service Ltd,

92-94 Broadwater Street West,

Worthing,

West Sussex

BN14 9DE

Tel 01903 206299