Channel 4 Gogglebox star George Gilbey's family enlists help to cover funeral costs

George Gilbey's family and friends are facing a tough time as they attempt to raise enough funds for the funeral of the much-loved star.

The group has only managed to secure half of their £5,000 target to give George the send-off he deserves, with the fundraising still open for contributions from fans. George's tragic death left fans of Channel 4's popular reality series in shock.

Aged only 40 when he died, George tragically fell while working on a warehouse roof in Essex. His untimely passing has left behind a young daughter, who he had with Gemma Conway in 2016, reports the Mirror.

In the wake of George's unexpected death, his devastated family is trying to arrange his funeral. Family friend, Rob Barlow, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help expenses. Although the goal is set at £5,000, they have only reached halfway so far.

The fundraising page was created by Rob, an employee at Clacton funeral service, on behalf of George's distraught mother, Linda McGarry, aged 74.

In a poignant message on the page, Rob expressed: "I've been asked on behalf of George's family to set up this gofundme page so we can give George the send-off he deserves. I know his passing has come to a shock for a lot of people, he was such a big character in life and is going to be sorely missed by friends, family and all who knew him.

"I think I can safely say we all enjoyed watching him on Gogglebox, Big Brother and all his other TV appearances. Anything you can donate would be a great help to the family so thank you in advance The funeral date is still to be confirmed and will be updated in due course."

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Well-wishers have so far raised £3,365 towards George's funeral costs and it is hoped that through a further push extra can be contributed, with any leftover money gifted to his eight-year-old daughter.

A man was arrested on suspicion of 'gross negligence manslaughter,' but has been released while officers carry out investigations.

Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate of the reality star ten years ago Ricci Guarnaccio said when the fundraising page was launched: "It is amazing so many people are doing what they can to help, especially for Linda who is beside herself. The family were blind-sided and she is understandably struggling to process the awful news."

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