Urgent fundraiser launched to save vegan café in Leeds which faces closure

A fundraiser has been launched to save a vegan café in Leeds which faces closure.
Angi Haist and Jack WinstantleyAngi Haist and Jack Winstantley
Angi Haist and Jack Winstantley

Alternatively Vegan - based in Pudsey - is a popular family business by Leeds resident Angi Haist which opened its doors less than 12 months ago.

However, due to financial difficulties in recent months, the café is now at risk.

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A fundraiser has been launched on GoFundMe to raise enough money to keep the doors of the café open.

Angi’s son Jack Winstantley - who volunteers in the café - started at Huddersfield University in September 2015.

However, two weeks later Jack suffered with mental health issues and Angi brought him home and he left the university.

By March 2017, Jack’s mental health deteriorated to the point that he tried to take his own life.

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Jack survived, however after coming out of a coma he was left with a hypoxic brain injury and now struggles with mobility, speech and memory.

Angi left her job with Leeds City Council last year to open Alternatively Vegan.

During this incredibly difficult time Angi and Jack continued to work hard to make the business a success.

However, in June 2019, Angi was unexpectedly informed by Ubrique Investments - a property management company at Huddersfield University which has now closed - that they had applied for a County Court Judgement against her and Jack for the cost of his original Huddersfield accommodation and the company had been awarded costs of £5,256.04.

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Angi - who said she has put every penny she earns into her business - is now suffering financial difficulties.

Bailiffs have been appointed to collect £6,808.14 - which neither Angi nor Jack say they can afford to pay.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Jack said: "This is all having a massive impact on myself and my mum's mental and physical health.

"Mum is struggling to eat and sleep and is working so hard to keep a roof over our heads and the business going.

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"We are all trying out best to continue to give a happy pleasant experience when you visit Alternatively Vegan."

More than £3,000 has been raised on the GoFundMe page in less than 48 hours.

Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or email [email protected], in confidence