James 'Jimmy' Murphy. You can help say farewell

The communities of Corringham, Horndon on the Hill and Stanford-le-Hope are invited to contribute to a fund to ensure a fond farewell for one of the area's popular characters. James 'Jimmy' Murphy was a well-known and cherished rough sleeper who made the highways and byways of East Thurrock his home in later years. A self-sufficient man he became an iconic figure and won respect for the way he chose to live his life, without troubling anyone - but in his own way. Jimmy passed away on Christmas Eve in Corringham town centre and, with no known family and no assets, was set to have a national health burial, which would have seen little or no ceremony and he would be laid to rest in an unmarked grave in Thurrock Council's plot at Grays New Cemetery.

However, local people including residents, councillors and businesses, believe Jimmy deserves a fitting send off and they have contributed to a fund to cover the costs of a funeral when the people of the area's communities will have an opportunity to say a final farewell.

Residents and businesses are invited to contribute to the fund. Corringham funeral directors DJC Cotton & Sons have generously offered their services free, so this fund will cover incidental costs including a service at Pitsea Crematorium on a date to be arranged, and that a fitting memorial will be placed locally so Jimmy will have an eternal place to be remembered.

The fund will be administered by local ward councillors and any surplus will be donated to appropriate charities helping rough sleepers and to the Tilbury Seafarer's mission, acknowledging Jimmy's maritime history.

Details of Jimmy's funeral, which will include a final journey through the streets of Stanford and Corringham town centres, giving people the opportunity to pay their respects will be added when known.