Royce Mallett: County Durham family attempting to raise £20k

The family of Royce Mallett, 30, who was killed in a knife attack in a motel car park in Albury, New South Wales, Australia on July 8, are attempting to raise funds to be reunited with his body.

Royce, who had moved over to Australia months before the fatal incident to provide for his partner Caitlin and two children Rose and Roman, was with his friend of 15 years, Carl Fisher, when the stabbing occurred. 

Royce Mallett (Image: FAMILY)

Police said Mr Mallett, who worked tarmacking roads in Australia but was originally from Haswell, County Durham, was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

David Summers-Smith, 28, of no fixed abode, was arrested nearby and later charged with murder.

Following the tragic incident, the parents of Mr Mallett, Felicity and Roy, have paid tribute to their son and appealed for help fundraising for costs connected to bringing their son's body back to the UK.

Royce Mallett and his two children Roman and Rose (Image: FAMILY)

Describing him as a "cheerful lad," they noted their sons' enthusiasm for cars, 4x4 and motorbikes, which saw Royce become an active member of the UK 4x4 community along with his partner, Caitlin O'Keeffe.

While paying tribute to her cherished son, Royce's mum, Felicity Mallett, has expressed her concern at having to stump up between £18k and £20k to repatriate Royce's body - given that both she and her husband are on a pension.

Despite setting up a fundraiser, which currently has just over £6000 raised, this figure falls short of the £20,000 needed and extra costs potentially needed for a funeral service.

Royce was working over in Australia to provide for his family back in the UK (Image: FAMILY)

She said: "We will struggle to afford the costs. No one will give us a loan for the funds, and apart from the fundraiser, we're doing everything in our power to raise funds - selling items off, a tombola and other community events.

"Until we know he's back with us in the UK - it doesn't feel real. We need him here with us in the UK. 

"We don't have enough money, which means he might need to be cremated instead of a burial."

As well as the strain of fundraising money, Royce's mum Felicity not only expressed the turmoil it has had on the family, but also the emotions that Royce's friend Carl will be feeling.

Carl was responsible for identifying Royce at a post-mortem as the family couldn't make it to Australia in time.

Royce's death also came before his son's second birthday and a few weeks after his daughter's fifth birthday.

She added: "Royce is missed across the UK - we've had people get in touch and ask if it's real that he's died. 

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"His son Roman and daughter Rose are so young - they might not fully understand what has happened to their dad. 

"My husband is very ill at the moment - I think it's the stress of losing Royce. 

"Royce is the youngest of four - our family are devastated at what has happened."

The fundraiser that Royce's family are holding can be found here.