A FUNDRAISING page has been set up to help cover the funeral costs of a teenager who was killed when he was knocked off his bike.

Jordan Seddon died following a serious collision in Middlesbrough in the early hours of Sunday.

The 17-year-old was hit by a black Fiat Punto at around 12.10am on Cargo Fleet Lane, in the town.

Family and friends have been left devastated by the popular rugby-loving teenager's death but his cousin, Callum Coakley, has spoken of the community spirit helping the family get through their darkest hour.

The 25-year-old, who works in London, said: "This incident has shocked my family and Jordan's friends. We feel completely saddened and sick to the stomach that he was taken from us at such a young age. It's still not sank in that he has left us and we all wish this was just a horrible nightmare we could all wake up from.

"At this moment, we don't want to point fingers or blame anyone, we simply want to grieve and remember the bright young character Jordan was. I have set up a go fund me page to raise money for his funeral.

"On behalf of our family, I'd like to thank everyone who helped at the time of the accident and a big thank you to the paramedics and doctors at James Cook University Hospital, who did their upmost for Jordan in his last hours."

And he has launched a GoFundMe fundraising page in an attempt to help Jordan's family pay for a memorial and funeral costs.

Mr Coakley added: "We don't want to make this about the court case – this is about paying tribute to Jordan and helping give him a suitable send-off.

"He was a passionate rugby player and was really popular with all of his friends. The entire community has rallied around the family and that is one small positive to come out of the sad loss of Jordan."

  • Anyone wanting to make a donation should visit www.gofundme.com/JordanSeddon
  • Shelleen Wardle has been remanded in custody after being charged with causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
  • The 41-year-old, of Berwick Hills Avenue, Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough, is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court next month.
  • Any witnesses to the incident or anyone who helped at the scene is asked to contact Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 159024.