RIP John Poole

Fundraiser information for John Poole funeral fund

Sadly, John lost his fight against cancer, and passed away on the 23rd January 2026.

John was a well loved member of Museum of Homelessness community and many people local to the museum will know John from his begging spot outside Homebase at Harringay Green Lanes station.

John leaves behind Mark, his best friend and carer, who is also a well loved member of Museum of Homelessness community. Mark shared these thoughts in memory of John

"John struggled with a difficult childhood, which led to alcohol misuse, which he managed to combat. However, sadly he fell into a pattern of street begging, not only to fund his day to day living, but also to give him the ability to socialise with others to help him escape his bi-polar and multiple personality disorder.

Sadly he lost a short fight against cancer, with no family and only a small amount of friends, which now means that there are no funds to provide him with a respectable end to what was proven to be a difficult life.

It's difficult to explain. Unless you knew this man, how much of a kind, loving and generous person he was, despite having nothing himself. Full of love, full of generosity, full of kindness, even when he was the one in need. Now, he is really in need, any support you can give would be greatly appreciated."

Museum of Homelessness is providing 1,000 pounds towards this crowdfunder from our direct community support fund. If you are able to help, we would gratefully recieve your donations here

All donations from this crowdfunder will be held in a restricted fund by the Museum of Homelessness and will be spent on John's funeral costs. Any excess will go towards funding a bench in John's memory.

To anyone who would like to attend the funeral service, please contact Mark via mail@museumofhomelessness.org