Community leader who helped youngsters has died (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Community leader who helped youngsters has died

8:00am Sunday 16th September 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

A disabled community leader who helped improve the lives of young people in the borough died last month.

When Alf Seaborn was growing up he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and doctors believed he would need a wheelchair by the time he reached his 20s.

But he defied all odds and joined the Army aged 18. However a second medical at Catterick put an end to his career.

In later life he worked as a builder, until a blister on his foot led to the amputation of one leg below the knee.

Further complications meant his second leg was amputated and he lost the feeling in his hands.

He became an active campaigner in the Battersea community and was chairman of the York Gardens Community Centre Steering Committee during the 1970s. He then fought against his position as caretaker of the centre being privatised.

His work helped set up the centre and he also held the position of chairman of the Winstanley Tenants' Association.

Mr Seaborn was a keen fisherman and stamp collector, often encouraging young people on the Winstanley estate to get involved.

His friend Jane Eades said: "He touched many people's lives with his help, cheerfulness and encouragement. 

"Battersea has reason to be grateful for the years that he put his own problems aside in order to help others."

Peter Derbyshire, first York Gardens centre manager said: "I will remember him as real battler with the biggest of hearts. 

"Even when Wandsworth privatised his job with longer hours he didn't let up. You will remember that we got him on the front page of the Guardian during the fights against privatisation."

Mr Seaborn, who was living in Scholey House, Ingrave Street, Battersea died in hospital aged 77 on August 17.

A funeral took place on September 6 at Lambeth Crematorium, followed by refreshments in The Leather Bottle in Garratt Lane, Earlsfield.

There are plans to install a plaque at York Gardens Library in his honour.