Młody wykwalifikowany księgowy był jedną z dwóch osób, które zginęły w wyniku tragicznego wypadku między dwoma samochodami. George Herd – opisany przez swoją skruszoną rodzinę jako 'jeden na milion’ – wyruszył z domu, aby pójść do McDonald’s, gdy samochód jego przyjaciela zderzył się z innym pojazdem. 18-latek, który był jednym z sześciorga dzieci i planował założyć własną firmę księgową, zmarł na miejscu. 60-letni mężczyzna kierujący Kia Picanto zmarł w szpitalu. Kierowca Mini, w którym znajdował się George, także 18-latek, również został przewieziony do szpitala z poważnymi obrażeniami po wypadku w Aveley, Essex.
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George’s family described him in a tribute as a 'beautiful, kind and caring’ person. They added: 'He cared for his grandparents and family when they were poorly, always offering cups of tea, running errands and asking if everyone was okay. He was always there for his friends in difficult times. He was exceptionally bright, with everything to live for. Nothing was ever too much trouble. George enjoyed the simple things in life, preferring the company of his family and his group of fabulous, like-minded friends. Being surrounded by his own comforts was where he was most content but he also loved quirky gaming, anime and WrestleMania. He worked alongside his brother programming cars, which he really enjoyed, before returning to college. 'He had qualified as an accountant and was part way through a business NVQ with a view of starting his own business. George loved his brother Harry and four sisters Poppy, Daisy, Lily who he shared his birthday with, and especially his youngest sister Rosie with all his heart. He really was the gentle giant of the family. He would have made an amazing husband and father one day and his life was just getting started. His honesty and integrity bordered on hilarity sometimes.
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Describing his last night, they said: 'He left our home that night happy and laughing, heading for a McDonald’s with one of his best friends. Four minutes later, he was no longer with us. His TV was left on and his computer was logged in, 'farming’, awaiting a gaming tournament with his American online friends of five years. He was a gifted gamer who everyone wanted on their team.
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A GoFundMe page set up to help his family has raised over £21,000 of the £24,000 target so far. Organiser Cieran Exley said: 'We are trying to raise funds for a send-off fit for George, a kind and gentle soul who has left a massive void in many of our lives. His mum, Emma, is a hardworking, single parent of six beautiful, clever and successful children. Needless to say she is absolutely devasted and we would like to try and ease the burden and worry of paying for a funeral as she continues to nurture and comfort his siblings whilst navigating through her own grief of losing a child. Something no mother should ever have to do.’ Locals offered online tributes, with one writing: 'Remember George as a cheeky, smiling young boy. Heartbreaking and sending lots of love to Emma and family xx Also thoughts go to the family of the other man who lost his life xx’
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