AddThis SmartLayers

Memorial to journalist who died at 34 installed in former office

A canvas and plaque commemorating a weekly reporter who died last year aged 34 has been installed in the office where he used to work.

A reception was held at the offices of the Yellow Advertiser to mark a year since the death of Paul Peterson, who defied a serious disability to work as a journalist for almost 13 years.

The reception was attended by family, friends and former colleagues, and the picture will now be put on the wall of the East London-based YA’s editorial department.

Paul, known as ‘Wheels’ to colleagues on account of his use of an electric wheelchair, suffered from muscular dystrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy but won awards for his campaigning on disability access issues during his career.

Friends, family and former colleagues of Paul Peterson with the canvas and plaque. From left: Jan Butt, Liz Wade, Vicky Wright, Lee Peterson, Martyn Dolton, Trevor Peterson, Suzi Muston, Ann Peterson, Vicky Tims, Matthew Stanton, Mick Ferris, Charles Thomson and Michael Cox

Friends, family and former colleagues of Paul Peterson with the canvas and plaque. From left: Jan Butt, Liz Wade, Vicky Wright, Lee Peterson, Martyn Dolton, Trevor Peterson, Suzi Muston, Ann Peterson, Vicky Tims, Matthew Stanton, Mick Ferris, Charles Thomson and Michael Cox

He died of heart failure in Basildon Hospital on 30 July 2014.

Since his death, a website set up in Paul’s memory has raised almost £11,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The plaque presented to the Advertiser reads: “Wheels. In loving memory of our dear work colleague.”

Advertiser editor Mick Ferris said: “A year ago we lost one of our own and the effects are still being felt amongst his friends here at the YA.

“The picture will go up on the wall in the editorial department.”