A fundraiser has been launched for a well-known Witney poppy seller after he suffered a stroke.
Already over £5,000 of the £8,000 target has been raised for James Boxer and his mother to fund new medical equipment and support him through his recovery.
The popular face about the west Oxfordshire town suffered a stroke on October 22, leaving him without the use of one half of his body, limited use of the other half and needing constant care.
His brother Adam Boxer said: “As you can imagine, this has been incredibly difficult for James and for us as a family.
“He’s already had to overcome more than his fair share of health problems, and this is another huge hurdle.
“Anyone who knows James will know how much being out and about means to him. The impact this stroke will have on his independence is particularly hard to imagine.”
Indeed, over the past 15 years James has been regularly involved in a number of charity drives around Witney and the surrounding area, as well as supporting local festivals and community events.
This is despite being diagnosed with a brain tumor and cancer in 2001, which he did recover from although it left him with disabilities that have impacted him ever since.
A fundraiser has been launched for well-known Witney local James Boxer (Image: Contributed)
In particular he is known for supporting the Royal British Legion in Witney, collecting donations for the Poppy Appeal ever year in the lead up to Remembrance Day on November 11.
His brother added: “He’s also volunteered with St John Ambulance, the African Children’s Fund charity shop and Guideposts Trust, helping with activities, events and fundraising.
“More recently, he’s become a regular volunteer at the Sue Ryder charity shop, where he’s firmly established himself as a valued member of the team.”
In addition, in 2020 he was named Witney’s Young Citizen of the Year.
A fundraiser has been launched for well-known Witney local James Boxer (Image: Contributed)
The link to donate is on GoFundMe and can be accessed here.
Messages of support have come in from around the town, following the news of James’ stroke.
The Shake & Sweet Shop Witney said: “James is a regular to our shop, usually with a collection tin of some sort or sometimes just in for a shake.
“Always with a big smile and enthusiastic chat. Our paths cross on many occasions and we know he will always be there helping out.
“We don’t doubt you will pick yourself up from this James as you are pretty much unstoppable. “
Ryan Taylor of Oxford Crepes added: “I am so sorry to hear this. I hope he makes a quick recovery.”
“I know he did a lot of work this time of year for the British Legion,” said Rachael Pearson, who operates a burger van, ” please wish him well from me”.
There were close to 200 comments wishing him well on social media and around 1,000 likes on Mr Boxer’s post sharing the appeal.