ALMOST £2,000 has been raised via donations to pay for the funeral of a well-known figure in Sherborne.

Ivan Oldaker, known locally as Ivan The Cobbler, has been taking care of people’s shoes and cutting keys for families in Sherborne’s Cheap Street for 28 years.

His wife, Heather, announced on social media that Ivan had died last week resulting in an outpouring of love and support.

An online fundraiser was set up to help pay for the cost of his funeral, with a £3,000 target.

Just a day later, £1,867 has been raised so far.

On the JustGiving page, a customer of Ivan’s Susan Hurst said: “He was not only a true gentleman, but a friend to hundreds of people who had the good fortune to know him and to go into his shop to seek his professionalism with his shoe repairs.

“He has looked after the people of Sherborne for 28 years repairing all sorts of things, other than shoes and always with a smile and a dry sense of humour.

“We are hoping to help his family in their time of need and distress to raise enough money to give Ivan the send-off that he truly deserves.

“Funds raised will be used to pay for Ivan’s funeral and a wake, so all that knew him can celebrate Ivan.”

“Ivan had so much more to give and share with the world”

Ivan’s wife, Heather said: “The tragic passing of Ivan the Cobbler, my adored husband, has left all the family, as well as others, in shock as we reflect on the incredible impact he had on all our lives.

“He was a devoted husband, stepfather, son, brother and a very devoted grandad to his five-year-old grandson Thomas.

“Ivan and Thomas were totally inseparable; they were like me and my shadow together.

“Those of you who were lucky enough to know him, knew that Ivan had so much more to give and share with the world.

“He was truly one of the best and always ready to lend a hand and would make us laugh with his strange sense of humour. His love and admiration for his family was boundless.”

To donate, visit https://shorturl.at/pb6Zu