My brother, Andy Saunders, who has died aged 62, was born in the same year as Doctor Who, and became an unswerving devotee of the programme.
Andy, who had Down’s syndrome, was born in Brighton to Lily (nee Roth), who worked in a bakery, and Peter Saunders, a commercial artist. He went to Hillside school (now Hill Park school) in Portslade; our father successfully campaigned for him to continue in full-time education until he was 19. On leaving school, Andy worked at a luncheon club at St John the Baptist church in Hove and at a cafe at Brighton General hospital, where his cheerfulness and willingness to help everyone were put to good use. Then he found a job at Safeway, later Morrisons, where he worked for 25 years, stocking shelves and showing people where things were. He loved it and received awards for his service.
During the 1990s, Andy was recruited to High Spin, a professional dance theatre company of performers with and without learning disabilities. He appeared in productions across the south east of England, and London and Dieppe. Andy was a funny and graceful performer with a good singing voice, and his performances as Elvis, as a member of Abba and as “one little maid from school” in the Mikado, are still remembered.
At the turn of the century, Andy was chosen to be the “face of 1963”, in a living history project by the Brighton Argus newspaper; it became a touring exhibition and resulted in him having his face on a bus.
He lived at home until 2006, when our mother and then our aunt died. He then entered the Shared Lives scheme, run by Brighton & Hove council, which supports people who are unable to live independently. He lived with Clare and Clive Robertson for 16 years, and moved to Acorn House, a residential home, in 2023. Andy loved holidays and travelled, often with family and friends, to Europe and Israel, as well as making trips on narrow boats and going on adventure holidays.
He enjoyed music, theatre and dance and attended many plays and concerts, including the Proms and opera at Glyndebourne, and his sheer joy at being there enhanced the experience of anyone with him. He met King Charles (when he was the Prince of Wales), Cliff Richard and Sylvester Stallone, and would often leave his family at the stage door while he chatted to the star.
Andy faced life and its challenges with an open heart. His faith was unshakeable and he was a magnificent ambassador for people with a learning difficulty, not allowing anyone to turn away or stare without giving them a cheery greeting.
He is survived by his sisters, Linda and me, his nieces, Louise and Kate, and his nephew, James.
