A man died after falling from a lamppost while hanging up British flags near his home in support of the ‘Raise the Colours’ initiative.
Paul Lumber, from Bristol, suffered fatal injuries from a height while hanging flags near his home on November 23. He was rushed to hospital, but never regained consciousness from an induced coma and passed away last week.
Paul had started an online fundraising campaign to gather funds for additional flags, as reported by Bristol Live, and raised over £1,000 in support of the ‘Raise the Colours’ cause.
While he was in hospital, a second online fundraiser, which amassed over £5,000 was launched for the 60-year-old painter and decorator, and his family.
Tributes have been pouring in and a friend said: “Mr Lumber was a lifelong Bristol City and England supporter who followed both club and country with unwavering devotion.
“He was a prominent figure in the football casual scene during the 1980s, later chronicling its history in two books about the movements and activities of the City Service Firm, the group associated with Bristol City. Mr Lumber had recently wed Michele, his partner of 23 years. Friends characterised him as a man whose life orbited around those he cherished.”
Another friend added Paul was “a fervent advocate for working-class rights” and “was also recognised for his robust political activism and outspoken criticism of the current government”.
Sean Donnelly, the landlord of the Three Lions pub in Bedminster, Bristol, also paid his tribute and said he had known Paul since childhood and was “heartbroken” by his passing.
“All his stories situations were unique and unbelievable, and if in a trench in a situation, you wanted Paul shoulder to shoulder with you – that was Paul.
“But of all his achievements, marrying Michele was his biggest achievement,” Sean also added.
Paul was also the author of ‘It All Kicked Off In Bristol’, which showcased a cover photograph of him standing in the Three Lions’ doorway, chronicling the incidents that led to him being permanently barred from Bristol City home fixtures.
The publication detailed his involvement with, and subsequent departure from, the football hooligan culture during the late 1970s and 1980s.
