Nearly £2,000 has been raised for the Coastguard Association by the family and friends of an offshore worker who died on a gas platform off the east coast.

Eastern Daily Press: 'Team Tyron' at the Rough Runner event. Photo courtesy of Kelly Coote.'Team Tyron' at the Rough Runner event. Photo courtesy of Kelly Coote. (Image: Archant)

Tyron Jones, of Lowestoft, who worked for offshore energy firm Perenco, suffered fatal injuries 70 miles off the Norfolk coast in December 2016.

In total £1,912 will be donated to the association, with £912 of the funds raised by Mr Jones' friends and fiancée Christina Robinson who took part in a 'Rough Runner' race in his memory.

Kelly Coote, Mr Jones' sister, said: 'The sum raised is a testament to how loved Tyron was by so many and how missed he is.

'Tyron would be very grateful and humbled by the sum that was raised and overwhelmed by the attendance at his funeral.'

She added: 'He did so much for so many people and never expected anything in return.'

The family were inspired to donate the money to the Coastguard Association by the team who battled to save Mr Jones.

Ms Coote said: 'Humberside Air Sea Rescue was called out to Tyron on the platform on the day of the incident and they brought him to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

'To show our gratitude for their efforts we thought we would name them for donations but as they are government funded and not a charity they could not accept any funds.

'Their charity of choice was the Coastguard Association as they often work together and assist each other.'

Ms Coote added: 'Hopefully the funds raised will enable someone else to be helped in the future and hopefully something good can come out of this horrific tragedy.'

The family have expressed their gratitude to all those who have come together and offered support during this difficult period.

Ms Coote said: 'We would like to thank everyone for their love and support for our family during this horrendous time.

'Christina would like to say a special thank you to all of Tyron's friends who have spent the last few months at their home making it into the home they both envisaged spending the rest of their lives together.

'We know that Tyron is looking down upon us and is beyond grateful for everyone's help, kindness and support.'