A FUNDRAISING page set up to raise money for the family of a murdered man who was stabbed to death helping others is soaring to heights way above its original target.

Dad-of-four James Gibbons, 34, was attacked and stabbed on Sunday (2 May) close to his home in Iris Mews, Laindon in Basildon.

James grew up in Stanford-le-Hope and attended St Clere's School and also lived in East Tilbury.

Friends of James and his family, including partner Vickey, have set up a fundraising page, which had an initial target of £1,500 but has soared to £21,873.

One of its organisers is Louise Lindfield who says: "A lot of us school mummies have decided to set up this Go Fund me page to raise money for Vicky and the four children after the devastating news of James's death.

"James was an amazing father of four young children, engaged to vicky and they had their whole life ahead of them.

"James was such a hard-working family-orientated man, he ran his own bathroom fitting company and was always looking forward to a positive future for him and his beautiful family.

"We know that no amount of money will ever make up for losing such a truly wonderful man, but we're hoping it might make things slightly easier if money wasn't a worry at this tragic time. So if people would like to donate-. It would be amazing!

"We are all going miss you down the school James, but we will be here no matter what for Vicky and the children!"