The family of a 36-year-old man who was a much-loved and respected part of the city's music scene has set up a fundraiser to create a foundation in his name and give him the 'best possible send-off' following his death earlier this week.
Thomas Belk was born in Salisbury and organised many events including the Salisbury Music Awards which celebrated the local music scene.
His sister Charlotte (Charleigh) 34, told the Journal (Saturday, December 30): "It was such a shock."
She said: "We don't know what happened at the moment. He was laughing and joking on Christmas Day. He went to work, put a photo on Facebook and then, that was it."
She said: "He was Mr Salisbury. He was liked by so many people."
Read more: Shock as popular Salisbury man died
The family are still trying to come to terms with their loss but have decided that the fundraiser will give Thom the 'best possible send-off' but they also plan to set up a foundation in his name.
An online fundraiser has raised more than £7,000 at the time of writing.
Charlotte said: "It will give Thom a final farewell and will keep his name alive as part of the foundation."
The foundation aims to help others within the music scene in the way that 'Thom would have.'
Charlotte said: "It won't be one-dimensional because Thom wasn't but I think he would be touched by that."
Charlotte said it had been a comfort to see so many of his friends paying tribute to her brother.
She said: "Everybody liked him. He was always the joker. It is a bit overwhelming at the moment and very sad. Life can be very cruel."
Charlotte recalled a happy childhood memory of playing radio stations with Thom.
She said: "I remember saying 'Why can't we just play music' but Thom would say 'We have to do the commentary as well. He was so gifted."
A regular DJ performing as 'Belko', Thom had previously helped set up The City Sound community radio station, as well as working for Salisbury FC, Bemerton Heath Harlequins, Salisbury Radio and contributing to the Journal.
The Journal has been flooded with tributes to Thom.
Mikey Harris, former Salisbury City FC manager, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Thom’s passing and my thoughts are with his friends and family at this incredibly difficult time. Thom was a fantastic supporter of 'The Whites' and one who truly positively impacted the club and community during his lifetime. He will be sorely missed”.
Victoria Scott, from Salisbury Cat Watch, said: "We have lost a kind supporter in Thom.
“All of us at Cat Watch are saddened to hear of the passing of one of Salisbury's finest.
"Thom had supported us previous and we were just talking to him about a cat fundraiser at the The Winchester Gate - in his usual altruistic way he was 'ringing round other venues too, see who might help'. Rest In Peace Thom. Salisbury is a lesser place tonight. 💕💕”
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The family recently attended one of Thom's events and Charlotte admitted her brother would have 'been cracking up' at the thought of her being there.
She said: "We were polar opposites. Thom loved the limelight, I don't. I must have looked so out of place. But now, he has pulled me into his world. He would find that funny. "
If anyone would like to add a tribute, email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk.
To contribute to the fundraiser, go to the website gofundme.com
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