Banbury: More than £5,000 raised for family of crash victim

Telmo Rijo died after his Honda CBR 650 was involved in a crash with a HGV with a trailer on the A361 South Newington Road south of Bloxham, between Bloxham Road and New Road, at around 1.45pm on Friday, June 20. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Just over a week after his death, a fundraiser page has been set up by his sister Erica Rijo and fiancee Vicky Marel.

Only a couple of days after its launch, it has already raised more than GBP5,500 from 160 donations. Telmo Rijo (Image: Contributed) In the fundraiser's preamble, Ms Rijo said: "Telmo was a kind-hearted, loving and caring guy, he always had a smile on his face and always made sure everyone was good and cheering everyone up. "Telmo has left a massive hole in all our hearts with this unexpected tragedy and we are opening this page to help raise funds, to cover the costs of his send off.

"Even though Telmo had an amazing family who will pull together anything we can, we were not financially prepared for this and therefore we ask the community for support. "Any donations are greatly appreciated as this lifts a massive weight off our shoulders. "He will be greatly missed by many and we hope that we can give him the send off he deserves."

After the donations came in, she added: "We just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated so far. "This goes to show how much Telmo was loved by everyone. "We still don't have a date for the funeral but will update once we know more.

"Once again a massive thank you to everyone." This newspaper launched a book of condolence after Mr Rijo died, and received around 40 tributes. One tribute from Rachel Palmer-Hearn said: "Such devastating news.

What a wonderful human being, such a cheeky smile. "Always full of fun and mischief. You brought joy to so many.

A loss to earth a gain in heaven." Willians Silva added: "I only spent a short time with you, but the short time was very good. I have no words to describe such a loss.

"You were a kind and friendly young man. My condolences to your family and friends. "I will be by your cousin's side, who is feeling your loss very much.

"You will always be remembered.

Rest in peace, cousin."

For more on the fundraiser, visit: gofundme.com/f/telmo.

References

1. ^ Book of condolence for motorcyclist who died near Banbury (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)