Well known Jay dies in collision

A formerly homeless man killed while cycling at the weekend wrote weeks before that the charitable help given to him last year had let him “start living again”.

Lincolnshire Police said on Saturday night a man in his 40s, named locally as Jason Paul, was involved in a collision with a silver Volkswagen Golf at around 7.20pm at Kellett Gate, Low Fulney. The teenage driver of the car was arrested for dangerous driving.

Jason, known as Jay, was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham but died of his injuries.

Jay had become a regular fixture in Spalding town, along with his wife Jane, who was often seen knitting in Market Place.

In October 2017, Spalding resident Stephanie Lamont and her daughter Clemetine Cousins launched a campaign to house then-homeless Jay and Jane, whose tent had been repeatedly vandalised. Within weeks the appeal hit the target of £5,000 and secured accommodation for the couple.

Stephanie said: “The aim was to get them accommodation before Christmas and now under the present circumstances, although very saddened by this tragedy we are pleased that Jay got to spend his last Christmas with Jane, the woman he loved deeply, safe and warm in their accommodation.”

Stephanie shared an extract from a letter Jay had recently written her. It read: “I’m now sat “AT HOME” writing to you both – Able to keep the love of my life warm and safe and able most of all to start living again.”

Stephanie said the goal of turning their life around was important to tattooist Jay, who had started drawing again. “Those of us who took the time to truly get to know Jay, know how much he and Jane wanted to put their difficulties behind them and get their feet back on the ladder, so to speak,” she said.

“They were a lovely couple and we have felt very privileged to have helped them and indeed we are still here for Jane in her time of need and beyond.”

While the couple had negative reactions by some people in town, Stephanie said overall they were met with charity and kindness.

“Both of them, in recent months, have had much more positive help and comments than they have had negative, Stephanie said. “To everyone who gave money, help, food, clothes etc. to Jay and Jane over the past few months, we would like to say a heartfelt, huge thank you.

“They have been so very grateful for your help and concern and they made many new friends too.”

Friends of Jay have left notes of tribute and flowers where he’d sit in Spalding town centre.

Stephanie reiterates her charitable message about the fragility of a stable life. “Homelessness in this country has greatly increased over the past five years. It only takes a change of circumstances to then have your lives turned upside down and spiral out of control and for many, this can lead to ending up living on the streets.”

Stephanie adds: “Rest in peace Jay, you will be sadly missed. God bless.”