Tributes have poured in from across Southend for a life-long activist, campaigner and socialist remembered for his friendly character and ceaseless dedication to the city’s causes.

Southend’s Paul Stygal passed away at the age of 74 in Southend Hospital following an illness on Sunday, sparking sadness from the campaign groups he represented. 

Paul was a regular face at protests across the city, campaigning alongside the Save Southend NHS Campaign group and representing Once Upon A Tree in their fight to stop trees being axed in the city. 

Close friend Jon Mullett described him as a “loving, gentle and supportive friend.”

Campaigner - Paul Stygal Campaigner - Paul Stygal (Image: SSNHS) Healthcare - Paul with hospital campaigners Healthcare - Paul with hospital campaigners (Image: SSNHS) He said: “We were friends for around nine years.
“We would go out into the countryside a couple of times a week, we would go for a meal as two old men do and we used to spend a lot of time doing similar things, going along to the seafront or enjoying a cup of tea at East Beach.

“He was a lovely, gentle and supportive friend.”

Save Southend NHS paid tribute to the “tireless” campaigner and gave their condolences to Paul’s family.

Remembered - Paul at a protest Remembered - Paul at a protest (Image: SSNHS)


A spokesman said: “We are so sad that dear Paul, our friend, activist, lifelong socialist and tireless campaigner for Save Southend NHS is here no more and died peacefully in the very hospital he’s continued to fight for.

“Thank you for all you did to help others, Paul.

“Your smile lit the room, and your hugs were the best ever, rest in peace you beautiful soul.”

Green campaigner, Simon Cross, added: “Paul was a very special man, we have lost a few community spirits and heroes from Southend and he belongs to them.

“He was passionate about healthcare and he was also a dear friend, we never had a moment when I was at the event and he didn’t smile his way through, he loved giving his time.

“He is irreplaceable and I have been hit with a serious wave of sadness.”

Gaz de Vere, another friend of Paul, praised his tireless dedication. 

He said: “Paul was a rare breed. Despite all his health issues he was always ready to get out on the streets in any weather to support causes he was passionate about.

“Equality, Palestine, Pride, NHS and so many more reaching way back to the miners’ strike and beyond. Eventually his mobility became almost impossible but he’d still be out on picket lines in his mobility scooter. He will, of course, be deeply missed by all that knew him.”