THE family of a Halstead man who died suddenly last month are raising money in his honour for Halstead in Bloom.

Michael Hutchings, known to many as ‘Hutch‘, had lived in Halstead for many years.

Now his family want to give something back to the community by raising funds in his name to contribute to the charity which was close to his heart. 

Michael’s Go Smart Window Cleaning company had many customers in Halstead, Earls Colne and the surrounding villages.

Wife Emma described him as “kind, caring and chatty”.

She said: “My husband was a very kind, caring man.

“He spent lots of time talking to customers and doing little jobs for them.

“He just loved living in Halstead, and that’s why we chose the Halstead in Bloom group as our partner charity.”

Halstead Gazette:

The family hope the money raised will help bring a smile to people’s faces, and when people visit Halstead they will see all of the wonderful flowers and the work done by the Halstead in Bloom volunteers. 

Emma said Michael admired the group’s work.

She said: “He was proud to live in Halstead and thought the work done by the charity was amazing.

“He really admired their work and how pretty they make our town look all year round.”

The fundraiser has raised more than £4,500 so far.

Emma said she had been bowled over by the reaction.

She said: “The support so far is amazing, we can’t believe how much has been raised already.

“We hope that those who knew Hutch can see the work the In Bloom group do and know that the money raised in his memory has helped towards it.

“Hutch was a well-liked, generous man who just really enjoyed living in Halstead.

"He was very proud of the town and we want that to be his legacy.”

To donate, visit HERE.