A FRIEND of a York crash victim is raising funds to help pay for his funeral - as his family paid tribute to a ‘happy-go-lucky guy who just wanted to help everybody.’


Postman Mathew Shepherd said he was planning to collect money in a bucket for Jordan Johnson’s funeral when he goes on a delivery round in Tang Hall on Tuesday, and was also planning an event today at Tang Hall Working Men’s Club.


Jordan, 23, of Tang Hall, died after a crash near a York Army training centre at Strensall earlier this month. He was a front seat passenger in a blue Peugeot 206 convertible which collided with a stationary Mitsubishi Outlander.

York Press:


Mathew, speaking on behalf of Jordan’s family, said he was known by everyone as ‘Ginge’ and was the York-born son of Vicki and stepson of Brian, and had four sisters, Summer, Sophie, Sammie and Chloe, and two brothers Danny and Darren.


He was an Everton fan who had a season ticket for several seasons and had worked previously at Flamingo Land and more recently as a roofer.
“They said he was a happy-go-lucky guy who just wanted to help everybody and make them happy,” he said.


“The family, who live in Tang Hall, Strensall and Wales, would like to thank everybody who has donated to the fund.”


Mathew said he had lost a close friend and a neighbourhood had lost a ‘true legend’ in the crash.


“Ginge was the most polite young man you could meet and would do anything for anyone,” he said.


“Every single person that he met he would leave a huge impression on their life. He left behind his family and I want to take some strain off their mind by raising a small amount to give the ginger lad a big send off that he deserves.”


Mathew said he normally worked from Stamford Bridge and delivered in communities as far away as Kirkbymoorside, but Royal Mail had agreed he could accompany the regular postman in Jordan’s home community, Tang Hall, tomorrow, dressed as Superman and with a ginger wig, collecting money in a bucket.


He said he would be walking down streets including the top end of Melrosegate, Beckside Gardens, Rawdon Avenue, Burlington Avenue, Hewley Avenue and Constantine Avenue.


He was also staging a fundraising event between 9am and 11am today at Tang Hall Working Men’s Club, with assistance from Amy King.


The event would include balloon modelling, glitter tattoos by Bedazzled, face painting, tea, coffee and biscuits and a raffle, to which Sports Direct had donated Everton items.


Mathew said he aimed to raise more than £1,250 and had so far reached £900. To make a donation, go to www.gofundme.com/ginges-funeral-fund.


Mathew said his friend’s funeral will take place at 11am on Friday at the cemetery chapel at York cemetery on Cemetery Road.