HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a legend of Basildon’s nightlife scene who spent decades working in clubs and pubs.

John Giles, more commonly known as Little John, spent 19 years working at the iconic Raquels Nightclub, one of the most popular in the county until it closed in 1998.

The 63-year-old, branded a fighter by his family, even worked at the Owl and Pussycat pub on Clay Hill Road through his diagnosis with rectal cancer.

Nephew, Glen Beckwith, says his uncle was also popular for “whistling his way through Basildon”, often walking into the town centre from his Laindon home and chatting to passersby.

Little John passed away on July 14.

Mr Beckwith, 40, said: “He was always quite well known in the area and was always talking to everyone.

“Unfortunately he had cancer, and was diagnosed in early 2019. He’d had problems with his bladder and there were a few signs that those he was working with had picked up on and informed our family.

“He was so well-loved, and worked all his life in pubs and clubs in Basildon. When it came to people he worked with, even their kids knew him.

Read more:

Leigh actress stars alongside Hollywood icons in her first debut film

“He always wanted to be around people and as you can tell was definitely more of a night owl.

“He was just a happy person, and even with his learning difficulties his disability never stopped him - he just carried on.”

The family are now fundraising to have a bench and memorial plaque installed in Basildon town centre or at the Owl and Pussycat.

Any remaining funding will be donated to St Luke’s Hospice.

Mr Beckwith added: “John loved his family and had three sisters and two brothers, along with nieces and nephews in the double figures.

“We’ve been blown away by the response we’ve had so far, the family are truly grateful and amazed he crossed so many people’s paths. John being so well known and the great places he worked at did fundraising for charity over the years, including for St Luke’s.”

Visit https://bit.ly/2TE0gL2