Parents ‘proud’ as new kitchen for homeless opens in memory of son

A hairdresser who died earlier this year aged just 48 has been remembered with the opening of a new kitchen at a homeless charity close to his heart.

Clayton Gilks, who died in May at his home in Spalding, was a tireless volunteer for the BeAttitude charity, which provides meals and help to those who find themselves without a roof over their heads.

Each Tuesday, Clayton would catch a bus or cycle the 43 miles to the charity’s base at St Mary Le Wigford Church in Lincoln to trim the hair of members of the BeAttitude community.

During his time volunteering for the charity he gave hundreds of pounds of his own money and donations from his clients to enable its work to continue.

When he died his family asked for donations at his funeral for BeAttitude and his mum Daphne and dad Thomas handed over more than £1,500 – with donations from other places taking the total to well over £2,000.

The money has been put to good use, as the charity has now officially opened a new kitchen in Clayton’s name.

The opening followed a revamp of the kitchen which Clayton had seen started and had helped pay for out of his own pocket – helping to buy new frying pans, a toastie maker and kettles.

Daphne said: “Clayton was a modest person but I think he would have been delighted to think that people are now benefiting from this new kitchen.

“I have been to see the work they are doing and it is an absolutely amazing place.

“It benefits all sorts of people who are having a hard time for whatever reason and have nowhere to live.

“We are so proud to see this kitchen opened in Clayton’s memory.

“The donations we received at Clayton’s special day were overwhelming – it was really amazing and it makes us so proud.”

A spokesman for BeAttitude added: “The funds raised by Clayton have been used to revamp the old run-down church hall kitchen – something that will benefit the whole community.

“Clayton’s sudden death shocked us all, but we are hoping his legacy will live on with this new kitchen.

“He was someone everyone loved.”