HOMELESS people and rough sleepers across Thurrock will benefit from generous donations made by a grieving family who recently completed a trip to the borough where a much-loved relative passed away.

Residents in Horndon on the Hill, Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham came to know and respect rough sleeper Jimmy Murphy in the years before his death on Christmas Eve 2023.

He was a popular figure who caused no issues for anyone and contributed to the communities by clearing litter and tidying up the areas where he laid his head.

Jimmy/Seamus Murphy in his younger days.

Jimmy passed away alone and in the early morning while sleeping on the street in Corringham and looked destined for an unceremonious farewell after police, Thurrock Council and the Essex Coroner's office failed to trace any family.

However, via a fundraising page and direct donations local communities came together to ensure he had a fitting funeral which included a cortege tour through the streets of Stanford and Corringham before a service and cremation at Pitsea crematorium.

His ashes were later scattered on the Thames after a service conducted by the chaplain of the Tilbury Seafarers' Mission – reflecting Jimmy's life-long association with the sea and shipping.

But that turned out not to be the end of the story, which was featured extensively on Thurrock Nub News.

Earlier this year Nub News editor Neil Speight was contacted by Jimmy's sister Aveen.

The story of Thurrock's kindness to the man the family knew as Seamus, had reached her home on the east coast of Ireland.

And that contact led to a visit by 17 members of the family, during which they visited Horndon, Stanford and Corringham and met several people who knew and respected Jimmy (Seamus). They were also able to let people know of his life's journey , which was usually linked to the sea and shipping. Their visit included laying their own floral tribute on the Thames at Tilbury.

Aveen, Séan, Kenneth, Bróna, Niall and Orla at David Cotton's offices in Old Corringham.

During the visit the family also visited Corringham undertaker David Cotton, who had provided his services free of charge and they reimbursed him for the costs incurred.

A visit also took place to the Thurrock Foodbank HQ in Corringham where stories were shared by staff there who knew Jimmy. The family, aware of the donations of many members of the local community but realistically unable to pay them back individually made a donation of £5,000 to the charity to be used to support people in need across the area.

Community Café Manager Phil Grove received a sheque for Thurock Foodbank.

The gift was gratefully received and John Freeman from the Foodbank said: "I would like to acknowledge on behalf of Thurrock Foodbank to say a major thank-you to everyone involved for the £5,000 donation that was received by Phil Grove – our Community Café Manager.

"This will make a tremendous impact on the Foodbank's overall operations and we seek to provide approximately 1,500 free emergency meals a week to the vulnerable people in Thurrock.

"It also helps us complement our compassion budget line which has been purposely set up to provide basic essentials in addition to emergency food for homeless people that find themselves sleeping on the streets, in tents or their own cars.

"In the past we have been able to provide hot water bottles, duvets and bedding, cooking utensils and even solar powered electric blankets, etc. A huge thank you again to all again. It is really appreciated."

But the family's generosity did not stop there.

Later in the day they travelled to meet volunteers from the Thurock-based Friends of London and Essex Homeless, who also supported Jimmy on his voyage through London and on to Thurrock. A further £5,000 was donated to help their work.

Steve Stuart receives the donation from Jimmy's family.

Steve Stuart, the charity's founder who knew and spoke to Jimmy often in the early days of his time in Thurrock, said: "It was with great pleasure that we met Jimmy's family following their journey from Ireland to visit ourselves and the community.

"Their wish to connect with those who had looked out for Jimmy was deeply moving, and it was an honour for us as a local charity to welcome them.

"While it is always heartbreaking to lose someone we've tried to support, it was profoundly comforting to witness the deep love and pride Jimmy's family hold for him. Despite the challenges Jimmy faced, it was clear that he came from a truly loving and devoted family who thought the absolute world of him.

"During our time together, we shared stories, answered questions, and reflected on Jimmy's memory.

"Their gratitude and emotional response reminded us of the impact that kindness and community can have especially during difficult times. It was also incredibly touching and humbling to receive a generous donation from the family in Jimmy's name.

"This gift will help us continue our mission and ensure Jimmy's legacy lives on through the support we provide to others. Thank you from all at Friends of Essex & London Homeless - our thoughts and condolences remain with you."

The visit culminated in the unveiling of a plaque on the new Golden Lakes development which is being created in an extended area of the Thameside Nature Discovery Park, an area by the Thames also frequented by Jimmy.

It is a permanent reminder of Jimmy, placed by one of the lakes at a viewing point that is tranquil, waterside and in accord with nature – just the place Jimmy enjoyed being.

A tranquil spot by the railway in Thurrock. The site of the plaque remembering Jimmy Murphy can be seen from those who pass by on the adjacent rail track. Fittingly, containers that travel the world by sea, though ports and harbours loved by him also pass by.

Before returning to Ireland, and on behalf of brothers and sisters Séan, Kenneth, Bróna, Niall and Orla and their families, Aveen said: "Thanks to all your wonderful community. We have a sense of closure after our visit now we know what happened and, from listing to people in Thurrock who knew him, just how much he was respected and cared for.

"That means so much to us. And we are so grateful to David Cotton and his company and to the priests who spoke kindly of Seamus.

"We would like to remember him for the son, brother, uncle, godfather, friend and fellow human being that he was. And now we know he spent his final days not alone, but among friends. May he journey on in peace."

Mr Speight, who helped guide the family around the borough over two days and intriduced them to local people who knew him, concluded: "Nothing will ever make up for the Murphy family's loss, not the grief and upset of not being there for his passing and funeral.

"But I know from the heartfelt comments of the family that they now have a sense of closure and joy in knowing that their brother and family member was not alone. My thanks to all those who supported the fundraising campaign, who helped organise the funeral events and who turned out to show their love and respect.

"Thanks also to Graham and Sumalee McNally from the Swan at Horndon who loaned the minibus so Aveen and her family could tour the area as one and the staff, particularly park ranger Sam, at Thameside Nature Park. Just three of so many people who went out of their way to help the journey a fitting memorial to someone who I am sure we will all long remember."