Appeal for funeral of Bacton teenager killed while riding home for his mother’s birthday reaches more than £1,600

Bacton teenager Crow Mortimer Jaydee who died in a crash on the A14 on January 5. Picture: Submitted (Image: Archant)

Crow Mortimer Jaydee, 17, known as Mort to his friends, was riding his motorcycle home to celebrate his mother's birthday when he died on the A14, near Ipswich.

His distraught mother Sandie Harris, 56, needed money to help pay for the funeral of her only child.

An appeal launched on the News website this week has seen donations flood in, including one anonymous donation of £500.

Single parent Miss Harris said her son had been a careful driver, and a responsible young man. She added: 'He never got the chance to live his life but the life he did live was full.

'He was a special child from the moment he was born. I was so proud of him, I could not have wanted more from him.'

A motorcycle ride out in honour of the teenager and to raise money has been organised for Saturday January 24 in Knapton, near North Walsham.

Mort was a talented fire spinner, character performer, artist and craftsman. He had performed for the Duchess of Cambridge when she opened the Treehouse Hospice in Ipswich.

The Norwich City College student had been visiting a friend for the weekend, and was travelling back to his north Norfolk home on January 4 to celebrate his mother's birthday the next day when he was killed in the crash.

Bacton family friend Helen Robinson, 49, said the teenager's death had left Miss Harris in a terrible financial situation, with bills still outstanding from her mother's funeral last year.

Miss Robinson said the keen mechanic and his mother were very close.

Family friend Hannah Wood, 21, who set up a Facebook page and online fundraising site, said she was astonished at the generosity of strangers.

She added: 'It is amazing to see people donate who have never met him. All the messages on there are very touching.'

Mrs Wood said the average cost of a funeral was £3,500. She added: 'Any left over will be given to his mum to go towards a memorial of her choosing.'

The motorcycle ride out will begin at 2pm at the Madra community centre in Knapton. After the ride out there will be a gathering and collection at the centre.

? To donate search for RIP 'Mort' Crow Mortimer Samuel Jaydee on Facebook or visit www.gofundme.com/k2h4x0

Are you arranging a fundraiser for Mort's funeral? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk