TRIBUTES continue to be paid to third sector entrepreneur Daniel Phelan who died this year after a 15-month battle with cancer.
Born into an Irish family in West London, the 58-year-old was the owner and editor-in-chief of Civil Society Media, which he founded in 1990.
Under the company banner, Mr Phelan launched the Charity Finance publication in the same year.
Its popularity saw a further voluntary sector title, Governance, launched, as well as The Charity Awards – an annual event, recognising excellence in charity management, which continues to this day.
Mr Phelan’s determination and unwavering support for the sector he immersed himself within has seen him credited with giving the industry “a voice”.
On hearing news of his death in February, tributes flooded in from the many organisations his work has championed over the years.
At the time John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: "We have lost a good friend and tenacious visionary who knew with a gracious certainty the value of civil society and what he could do to play his part in making it more trusted, transparent and resilient.”
While Sir Nicholas Young, former chief executive of the British Red Cross, added: “Daniel Phelan was a giant of the sector - a gentle, unassuming, clever and insightful giant. He was a great champion and cheerleader for charity and social enterprise - but also a friend prepared to be critical where necessary and constructive always.”
This month his friend Malcolm Hurleston penned an obituary - published on Saturday, April 25 - which called him “a journalist and social entrepreneur who gave a voice to the voluntary sector”.
A fund set up in Mr Phelan’s name also continues to attract donations and has now amassed more than £1,500 for the Bowel Cancer UK charity.
Daniel Phelan passed away at home in Clapham on Wednesday, February 11, leaving behind his wife Cathy and a daughter Fabienne.
While a private funeral was held for family and close friends at the time, there are plans for a memorial service, which will be held later this year, to celebrate Mr Phelan’s life and his “immense contribution to civil society”, the Civil Society Media organisation confirms.
