Devastated friends have rallied round to raise funds for the funeral of a popular and much-loved young nightclub barman and insurance company worker who has died aged 22.
Grant Curtis, who died on Saturday, October 28, has been described by those who knew him as someone who had a 'heart of gold' and 'always had a smile on his face'.
The former asbestos surveyor had worked at Norwich-based insurance giants Aviva for about over a year, while working as a bartender at Mercy nightclub in Prince of Wales Road at weekends.
A gofundme website page has now been set up to support Grant's mother Kathryn and brother Daniel with funeral costs. It has already raised more than £500.
The page read: 'A lot of people have been left absolutely heartbroken and we need help to raise money to give him the best send off going, something he really does deserve.
'He was the party in our lives and we all have been left absolutely devastated.
'He had a heart of gold and would have helped anyone with the best of his ability, always had a smile on his face. He was a very, very loved person.'
Laurence Taylor – one of Grant's best friends, who set up the page – said: 'It's such a shame. He had so many people who loved him.
'He was a very good person to be there for you. He was very good at giving advice.
'He was such a lovely guy who had a heart of gold for everyone. He was such a generous guy. He was a diamond of a guy.
'He had a very open mind and he was always very truthful with people – he told people how it was and he didn't care what they thought.
'All of his friends are absolutely devastated. There are literally no words that come close to it. Everyone is seriously devastated. Everyone is just so emotional.'
Laurence added that Grant, a former Blyth Jex School pupil who lived in Norwich, loved nothing more than going out partying and drinking, adding: 'He was always the centre of attention.'
Many people have posted tributes on the gofundme page, with one reading: 'You always had a big smile and even bigger heart, you always looked after everyone. Will miss you lots.'
People can donate to the fundraising for Grant's funeral by visiting: www.gofundme.com/celebrate-the-life-of-grant-curtis
Tributes
The following tributes have been paid to Grant Curtis:
? Daniel Curtis: 'A man who loved and lived life to the full. A man taken too soon. Most people who met him will always remember he was the life and soul of any event. He will be missed by friends and family dearly. He lived the long days with his friends and he will tell us all about it when he meets us again.'
? Laurence Taylor: 'Grant, where can I start. You were amazing, always cared for others even if it put yourself out. He was the party to our lives, an absolute diamond. God bless your soul. R.I.P my friend until we meet again. Love you bro.'
? Georgie: 'One amazing person who had touched so many hearts was the life and soul of every one will be truly loved and missed by many but never forgotten.'
? Louise and Sam: 'You're one in a million. Always gave the best advice and told you straight no matter how nasty it was. Always be in our thoughts. Miss and love you. Love Louise and Sam xxx.'
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