5 Sep, 2024 @ 11:15
1 min read

British expat entertainer and fundraiser Stevie Spit loses battle to cancer: Tributes pour in for Costa Blanca legend

Costa Blanca entertainer and fundraising legend, Stevie Spit, loses cancer battle

POPULAR Costa Blanca entertainer Stevie Spit, has died aged just 54.

The prolific charity fundraiser lost his battle against cancer on Tuesday.

Whether hosting shows in his famous drag persona at the Benidorm Palace or simply in his normal attire, he was always out to help others.

“After a very short illness, he slipped away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones,” revealed his best friend, Eileen Gleave.

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STEVIE IN DRAG

“He has been a light in the community for so many years, but has left a hole that could never be filled.”

She added: “But one thing was for sure….he left us knowing he was truly loved by all.”

Tributes quickly went out along the coast from numerous expats and groups.

One, Dreamgirls-Spain, paid tribute saying: “He raised literally thousands for children, animals and people in need. And he did it with such passion, humour and with his fantastic ability to perform to any audience, young and old.” 

Stevie – real name Brian McLeod – helped many good causes over the years and the tables were literally turned on him in recent months with events being staged to raise money for him.

Born in Scotland, his charity work saw him awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2020 Queen’s New Year Honours List.

The UK ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, presented it to him and said at the time: “Stevie is a truly inspirational fundraiser.

“His enthusiasm is such that whenever he organises one of his many impromptu fundraisers it is almost a guaranteed success, such is his support from the Costa Blanca community.”  

Stevie went to Buckingham Palace in June 2022 to attend a garden party, accompanied by pal Eileen.

He talked to Prince William for 10 minutes and told him his job was selling raffle tickets and produced a strip of them for him to buy.

Stevie’s funeral will take place on Monday at the Tanatorio Torrevieja, Avenida Delfina Viudes 64, starting at 1pm

Everyone attending is asked to wear bright colours and the wake will be held at the Emerald Isle, La Florida from 2.30pm.

Alex Trelinski

Alex worked for 30 years for the BBC as a presenter, producer and manager. He covered a variety of areas specialising in sport, news and politics. After moving to the Costa Blanca over a decade ago, he edited a newspaper for 5 years and worked on local radio.

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