Pompey Soup Lady: Family pay tribute to Southsea pensioner Diana Clark, who went viral after handing out soup to the homeless in freezing temperatures, after she died this week

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a pensioner who captured hearts across the world last year when a viral video showed her giving out soup to the homeless.
By Millie Salkeld
Published 3rd Oct 2020, 17:47 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2020, 10:17 BST
Diana Clark from Southsea, dubbed Pompey soup lady, died on Monday after having a stroke following an operation on a brain tumour.Diana Clark from Southsea, dubbed Pompey soup lady, died on Monday after having a stroke following an operation on a brain tumour.
Diana Clark from Southsea, dubbed Pompey soup lady, died on Monday after having a stroke following an operation on a brain tumour.

The family of Diana Clark from Southsea told The News they have been ‘inundated’ with cards and messages after the 73-year-old died on September 28 after having a stroke following an operation on a brain tumour.

They described the grandmother-of-two, dubbed the Pompey Soup Lady, as ‘someone who would help anyone’.

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Daughter Katy Douglas said: ‘Mum never had a bad word to say about anyone.

This was the moment an elderly woman was recorded handing out food to those on the street. She has since become an internet sensation. Photo: Charlie FranksThis was the moment an elderly woman was recorded handing out food to those on the street. She has since become an internet sensation. Photo: Charlie Franks
This was the moment an elderly woman was recorded handing out food to those on the street. She has since become an internet sensation. Photo: Charlie Franks

‘She was someone who would help anyone. My children absolutely adored her.’

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A video on social media last year of Diana handing out soup to the homeless in Albert Road, Southsea, went viral after it was posted by passing plumber Charlie Franks in February, 2019.

Son-in-law Ian Dory explained: ‘Diana didn't quite understand that she had gone viral until her grandson explained to her what that meant.

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‘She didn't want a big fuss over it as she just wanted to help. I used to tell her off for going out at night in the cold but she did and the homeless people loved her and were very protective of her.

‘She was big Pompey fan and received two free tickets to a game for what she did and went along with her grandson.’

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The family said they have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for former pre-school teacher Diana.

Ian said: ‘We have been inundated with kind words, cards, flowers.

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‘Her priest at St Swithun’s also visited her at home before she died as we were able to bring her home from hospital which was lovely.’

Katy added: ‘She was amazing and had a really strong faith. I remember her always working with children and even up until lockdown was helping with the children’s group.’

Diana leaves behind her only daughter Katy, her husband Ian and two grandchildren Charlie, 20 and Beth, 18.

Speaking to The News last year, Mr Franks – whose video led to Diana going viral – said: ‘When I saw what she was doing it blew my mind. You obviously hear about homeless people and how bad it is today.

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‘So to see someone doing something like this to help really got to me.’

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Related topics:SouthseaPompey

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