Friends of George Gilbey launched a GoFundMe appeal to help pay for the funeral of the Gogglebox star following his shock death and more is still needed to reach their target

George Gilbey’s grieving friends and family have so far only raised half of their hoped-for fundraising target for his with fans still able to support them with funeral costs.

Fans of Channel 4’s hit reality show were devastated when George plunged to his death while working on the roof of a warehouse in Essex. He was just 40 years old and leaves behind a young daughter whom he welcomed with Gemma Conway in 2016.

George’s heartbroken family have been pulling together to make arrangements following his sudden death – while family friend Rob Barlow has put up an appeal on GoFundMe to help cover the costs for the family. The appeal has set a target of £5,000 to cover the costs of George’s funeral but so far they’re only at half way to their target, with there still being time to contribute.

Gogglebox star George Gilbey tragically died at his workplace (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

It was set live on behalf of his broken mum Linda McGarry, 74. In a heartbreaking post, Rob – who works for Clacton funeral service – writes: “I’ve been asked on behalf of George’s family to set up this gofundme page so we can give George the send-off he deserves. I know his passing has come to a shock for a lot of people, he was such a big character in life and is going to be sorely missed by friends, family and all who knew him.

“I think I can safely say we all enjoyed watching him on Gogglebox, Big Brother and all his other TV appearances. Anything you can donate would be a great help to the family so thank you in advance The funeral date is still to be confirmed and will be updated in due course.” The appeal adds: “Any funds that are left over after the funeral costs will be given to George’s 8-year-old daughter Amelie.”

The fundraiser was set up on behalf of his broken mum Linda McGarry (
Image:
Instagram)
Well-wishers have so far managed to gather £2,785 for George’s funeral and it is hoped that with another push, extra can be donated to boost the tally, with any money left over going to his eight-year-old daughter. A man was arrested on suspicion of ‘gross negligence manslaughter’ and was released while police investigate.

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Reality star Ricci Guarnaccio, a housemate of George on CBB ten years ago, said at the time of the fundraiser going live: “It is amazing so many people are doing what they can to help, especially for Linda who is beside herself. “The family were blind-sided and she is understandably struggling to process the awful news.”