Relief as George Gilbey’s family raise funds for Gogglebox star’s funeral after sudden rush of donations
GENEROUS strangers have rushed to send in donations for Gogglebox star George Gilbey’s funeral.
The Sun revealed yesterday that a GoFundMe page had failed to reach its £5,000 target.
Just 24 hours later more than £3,000 was raised to bring the total to £5,517.
The fundraising page had been set up by his family’s chosen funeral director on behalf of his mum Linda McGarry, 74, following George’s sudden death.
The electrician and former Celebrity Big Brother star passed away last month following a shocking 80ft plunge through a skylight.
George had been scaling a roof at a warehouse in Essex when the tragedy unfolded, friends have said.
Reality star Ricci Guarnaccio — who starred with George on CBB in 2014 — 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.”
George leaves behind his eight-year-old daughter Amelie.
A message on the fundraising page reads: “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, all money will go to Linda to pay for his funeral costs and any funds that are left over after will be given to George’s 8 year old daughter Amelie.”
George was at work when he tragically died on March 27.
A man was arrested on suspicion of ‘gross negligence manslaughter’ after the tragedy in Shoebury, Essex. He was released while police investigate.
The horror comes three years after the death of George’s stepdad Pete McGarry, who starred with George and Linda on Gogglebox.
Pete died suddenly in 2021 at the age of 71 from bowel cancer.