TRIBUTES have poured in for the founder of one of Canvey’s longest-serving charity groups.

Eddie Stacey sadly died, aged 87, over the weekend.

He founded the Phoenix Club, a social club for people with mental health problems, learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

Eddie’s friend, Sandra Durant, recently took over at the club after Eddie was in charge for four decades.

The club was launched in the 1970s, travelling around London and Essex with Eddie performing as Eddie the Clown, in order to raise money for the charity.

Sandra paid tribute to her dear friend who died from a duodenal ulcer.

She said: “We were sorry to learn of the sad loss of Eddie Stacey, fondly known as ‘Eddie the Clown’.

“Eddie was a long-time resident of Canvey and was for over 50 years seen with his collecting tin and dressed as a clown outside supermarkets.

“He would be there raising money to fund mini buses so that people less fortunate than himself could meet once a week to overcome social and mental disabilities and also give evening respite for families with disabled dependants.

“With Eddie’s failing health over the past 18 months the club had depleted in numbers and it was worrying him that the club may fold after 50 years.

“Myself and Kevin Gray decided to relieve him of the added pressure and have been running the club for the past year under Eddie’s watchful eye.

“His legacy will remain with us now and we endeavour to increase the club’s numbers back to the membership of 80 to 100 as it used to be in the 80s, it’s even more poignant now that we succeed.”

Canvey stalwart councillor, Ray Howard, also paid tribute to Eddie, particularly to his efforts with the Phoenix Club charity.

He said: “It’s a very sad loss, Canvey has lost a true great.

“I remember when he first started the club all those years ago and I have attended on a number of occasions.

“Full credit to him as he helped a lot of people and made their lives that much better.

“These were people who suffered with lots but because of Eddie, they had something to look forward to on a Wednesday evening.”