'Influential' pub landlord unexpectedly dies at age 52
Andy Martin headed up the Star and Garter - where he helped to catapult new bands in the local scene
Hundreds of people have raised thousands of pounds in tribute to a legendary pub landlord who has unexpectedly died of complications caused by sepsis at the age of just 52.
Andy Martin passed away on Friday (March 29).
He had been suffering from an ear infection, and earlier that week, was admitted to hospital with a suspected stroke - and later had a cardiac arrest.
His family said his heart stopped for four minutes - whilst his ear infection had developed into sepsis - leading to complications from encephalitis and meningitis.
He is survived by his newly wedded wife Helen and their daughters Jasmine, 5 and Georgina, 3.
Andy headed up the Star and Garter - where he helped to catapult new bands in the local scene.
His family have called him a ‘fundamentally good person’ who ‘fought tooth and nail’ to keep the venue open.
In a statement on a Crowdfunder set up to raise money to cover his funeral costs, Helen Kitchen, his wife, said: "Andy was extremely well loved and his influence was wide-reaching. There are many bands he helped to catapult, many artists, DJs and club nights where he was pivotal to their success.
"He was a wonderful husband, doting dad, beloved uncle, cherished son and loyal friend. He fought tooth and nail to keep the Star and Garter open, endlessly debating and ultimately winning the battle with the Goliath that is Network Rail.
"Having kept the pub open, he kept the prices low so that everyone could enjoy their night there, no matter their budget. Andy always felt a person feeling they’d had a good night at the pub was worth much more than money: his passion, his business, was the business of making people happy.
"Andy was also a great storyteller with a fireside warmth and brutally funny cheek that could catch you unawares. His sharp one liners and outlook on situations meant a conversation with him would undoubtedly end in tears of laughter.
"He was a fundamentally good person with depth, quietly keeping an eye on many and reaching out to check they were okay. He had a Half Man Half Biscuit lyric for every situation."