A MUCH-LOVED butcher has been immediately picked up by the community after a huge loss at Christmastime.

Working as a butcher for the past 46 years, a recent article on Roy Killgallon showed how much respect he has from customers and residents in St Helens.

With many describing Roy as a "great butcher and a lovely man", hundreds reacted to the article on his Cambridge Road business, in which he spoke about the difficulties of battling the convenience of supermarkets.

Although Roy said that business usually picks up around Christmastime, the butcher was dealt a devastating blow on Tuesday, December 5, as he dropped £1000 while rushing for a delivery on Cambridge Road.

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St Helens Star: A selection of the meats on offer at Kilgallon'sA selection of the meats on offer at Kilgallon's (Image: St Helens Star)
After the huge disappointment of his loss of earnings, Danielle Lynch launched an online fundraiser to try and recoup the money so that his business won't suffer in what is usually a busy festive period.

In just a matter of days, the fundraiser has claimed back more than half of the money lost, and has attracted another list of positive comments that shows how highly Roy is thought of in the community. 

Danielle, who is a family friend, said: "Roy is a very humble shy man, but he will do anything for people. He was so happy that people wanted to help him.

"He seems to be doing okay at the moment but losing this money is a massive hit on his business and he could struggle after the Christmas period is over.

"Roy is a family friend who has done a lot for my Dad so I wanted to try and help him out."

St Helens Star: Kilgallon's butchers on Cambridge Road, NewtownKilgallon's butchers on Cambridge Road, Newtown (Image: St Helens Star)
Working as the sole employee at the Newtown butchers shop, Roy prides himself on knowing exactly where each of his products comes from and offering the highest-quality meats.

The dedicated butcher, who used to wake up at 3am to meet the demand during covid, also prides himself on the business’ cleanliness and fostering a great relationship with regular customers.

To support Roy's business and help him recoup his lost earnings, you can donate at the fundraiser here.