Thousands raised in memory of Sidmouth’s Dave ‘Mad Dog’ Maddock

Dave 'Mad Dog' Maddock (Image: Archant)

Around 300 people paid tribute to Dave ‘Mad Dog’ Maddock at a special and poignant event in Sidmouth during the summer.

Dave - awarded his fitting nickname by a misspelled payslip - arrived in the town in 1986 and never looked back.

He died after a battle with throat cancer on July 7, 2017, just before his 52nd birthday.

More than 300 people attended the Dogtastic Day at the Volunteer Inn on July 14 and used the event to celebrate Dave’s life.

Dave’s wife Gill Maddock handed over a cheque for £2,600, raised from the day, to two charities this week and thanked everyone for their help and support with the day.

She said: “Dogtastic Day was a perfect tribute to Dave - our Mad Dog. Dog would have rocked it on the day. I’m pretty sure he would have got his drum out on the stage. Dog is so missed. It’s a pleasure to hand the donations over.

“Our tickets cost were low and we only asked for small donations on the day, so a huge thanks to all those fabulous people who attended and to The Anchor Inn for their very generous donation.

“Our causes are local and we are very grateful to have them - Sidmouth Living with Cancer supported Dog as they with so many in our community effected by cancer. The other is the Sid Valley Food Bank which feeds families and others who are struggling to afford the very basics.

“I would like to give big thanks to Debbie McManus and our wonderful team, you each made the day so great. The people who attended the day were aged new-born to mid 90s-year-young.

“There was music, fun and laughter. We have the best community.”

The next community fun day will be on May 25, 2019 at the Sidmouth Football Club in Manstone Lane.

Gill is looking for pubs, traders, hoteliers and families to get teams together for a Sidmouth Mini Olympics. There will also be a small football tournament for anyone who wants to take part.

Jill said: “We hope to have a great party fun day.”