£100,000 - Remarkable fundraising effort for baby daughter of young father murdered in Richmond
The family of a young father killed in Richmond have been overwhelmed after learning that a GoFundMe campaign to support his baby daughter has topped £100,000.
Reece Newcombe, who was a well-known local boxer and trainer, had many friends across the borough.
The fundraising effort, set up by Reece's best friend James Dobson, has attracted over 2,000 donations, while hundreds of people have expressed their sympathy and support on social media.
These included a Fire Brigade crew from Isleworth, who posted an image of themselves standing to attention and their hoses shaped as a '31' to represent Reece's age.
At the same time, many people took part in one minute's applause for Reece during the England match against Wales on Tuesday. He was a big football fan and follower of Chelsea.
A 'memory walk' to honour Reece is to take place across Richmond on Sunday and is thought likely to attract more than 100 friends and family.
People are asked to congregate in at noon in the car park opposite Pools on the Park. They will then walk across Richmond Green through to Richmond Bridge, where there is a plan to lay some flowers.
Reece's father John Holland and grandfather Harry are well-known for helping hundreds of locals through the Westside Boxing Gym. The family famously trained footballer and TV pundit, Ian Wright, for a charity boxing bout.
Lacey Westlake posted a message on Facebook to thank people for their support for the family and Reece's six month old baby daughter, Misse.
She said: "On behalf of my family I honestly cannot thank people enough for the generosity. It means so much to us that he was so loved.
"Nothing can ease our pain but it is a comfort to us to see the sheer love and support. We would trade anything to have our Reecey Bear back in our arms again.
"I am sorry we cannot reply to every message but please know we are grateful to every single one of you that has donated, sent messages and the overall support."
Reece's brother, Kane, wrote: "My brother!! I will forever cherish everything we ever did together! No one can ever replace the brother, the friend you were to me.
"You was always the one I inspired and looked up to way beyond belief as many others did. I idolised you in every way, the way you cared, the way you made me laugh and everyone you was around.
"The way you lifted the atmosphere up! You made me the man I am today!!
"I've lost my brother as well as my bestest friend! Absolutely heartbroken words can't justify the way it hurts!! Love you so much my brother, my friend, my everything!!"
The family has advised people attending the memory walk to travel to Richmond using public transport as there is limited parking.
They suggested people may wish to wear any Chelsea or boxing attire, saying Reece would have loved that.
The fundraiser page can be found here.
New teddington Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: teddington jobs
Share: