The loved ones of a Betfred customer who sadly passed away aged 65 recognised him with a floral tribute to his lifelong hobby of betting on the horses with Betfred.
Jimmy Pugh’s “adopted” family approached the Tiger Lillies florist at Gidea Park East in Romford, London, to make the wreath, which had white chrysanthemums arranged to look like a Betfred betting slip.
The words “re-united” signifies Jimmy’s football team West Ham, “12:15” was the time of the service at Wanstead Cemetery – and “Heaven’s Gate” sat in place of a horse’s name.
Lifelong friend Kevin Ellis said: “Jimmy, who was a clerical worker, died suddenly. He collapsed and we got a call from the police off his mobile.
The 65-year-old school caretaker went on: “He was known to my immediate family and even grandchildren as ‘uncle Jimmy’. We were his family and used to go out with him – including once to Newbury racecourse, where we were in a box.
“He was a regular at the Betfred shops in and around Romford and his home in Dagenham. We thought the flowers arranged like a betting slip would be fitting for Jimmy.
Betfred boss Fred Done said:
“I was sent a photograph of the flowers made up as a betting slip by a friend. It’s a heart-warming way for someone like ‘uncle Jimmy’ to be remembered.”
