The father of murder victim Warren Free says the family has been overwhelmed by a collection held in the Spalding neighbourhood.
On Tuesday, David and Norma Elms handed over £500 which had been raised in a door-to-door collection on the Royce Road estate and in a bucket collection at Late Shopper and Jack’s Fish Bar in nearby Holbeach Road.
A statement issued by the family to The Voice said: “A lump has come to our throat and tears to our eyes about the love, thoughts and prayers of the community concerning the collection organised by Warren’s neighbours Norma and David, the Late Shopper and Jack’s Fish Bar.
The generosity of people has touched our hearts. Words cannot express our gratitude.”
The money was raised as a show of support for Warren’s 13-year-old son Adam, who lived with him in Coronation Close.
Warren’s dad Bob told The Voice: “We’re very, very touched by what David and Norma have done and we’d like to thank them in a big way.”
Mr and Mrs Elms started the collection two days after Warren (42) died in hospital on August 29.
Adam and sister Zoe (20), who lives in Wales, said Warren was “a great dad who was always there for us”.
They added: “We love him and miss him dearly.”
Warren had lived in Spalding for eight years, having moved from Wales with Adam to be near his family. He brought up his son single-handedly.
Bob and wife Stephanie spoke of their doting son’s compassion and care for others.
Stephanie said: “He always put others before himself.
“He had a big heart and if he saw someone else in need, he would do all he could for them.”
Warren’s sister Bernice and her husband Tim also expressed their thanks to the local community.
They said: “We are grateful for the assistance people have given to the police investigation and have been very touched by the gestures of flowers and cards.
“In particular, we’d like to thank the Late Shopper and Jack’s Fish Bar, together with all the people who added to the donation for Adam.
“It means a great deal to all of us, especially Adam, who effectively has no mother or father now as a result of this terrible tragedy.”
Meanwhile, the murder inquiry continues with a large team of detectives. Seven juveniles arrested within hours of Warren’s death remain on police bail.
The Voice understands that it could be some time before there is any further development in the case.
Detectives remain keen to hear from anyone who may have information which could help. A video appeal to readers of The Voice by Det Ch Insp Martin Holvey – the man leading the inquiry – is posted on our Facebook page.
The inquest into Warren’s death opened in Boston on September 3.
During a ten-minute hearing, South Lincolnshire coroner Prof Robert Forrest outlined brief details about Warren’s death at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.
He said the fatal injuries sustained during an attack on him the previous day remained “unascertained”.
