Tributes to Fakenham youth worker

WARM tributes have been paid to Paul Harrison the Fakenham-based youth worker who was killed when the motorcycle he was riding was involved in a road accident.

Mr Harrison, 33, was on his way to Cambridge, where he spent two days a week studying for a degree in theology and youth work. His long-term plan was to be become a pastor.

He had lived in Fakenham for about 10 years and his great passion was youth work. He was actively involved in a pupil mentor scheme at Fakenham High School.

He was a popular volunteer with the YMCA in Norwich, and chief executive John Drake said he was “stunned” on hearing of the tragedy.

YMCA Norfolk faith development worker Alexis Lloyd, with whom Mr Harrison worked, said: “Paul was an excellent volunteer for the YMCA. He fitted in easily at the St Giles hostel in Norwich, where he quickly made friends with residents and staff.

“Paul was willing to do whatever was asked of him, from putting up Christmas decorations to leading discussion groups. He supported some individuals on a one-to-one basis and was a great encouragement to me.”

Ms Lloyd said Paul would be missed very much and his loss had affected many of the hostel residents.

“Paul clearly knew Jesus very well - it shone out through his smile and open heart,” she said.

His widow, Ellie, said that Paul was a wonderful, loving husband and a great father to the couple's five-year-old son, Zacci.

At Fakenham Mr Harrison was well-known as a worker with the E.P. Youth Project, an independent ecumenical Christian charity.

A celebration of Mr Harrison's life, arranged by his widow, is being held on Wednesday at 2pm at Fakenham Baptist Church. Mourners have been told that formal dress is not necessary. They have been asked to take along a silver or blue balloon, and these will be released at his burial at the town's Creake Road cemetery.

Donations have been invited for the Big Red Bus Project (cheques payable to E.P. Youth).

The accident happened on March 12 on the A1065 Swaffham road at South Raynham, near the Whissonsett road junction.

Just minutes before the 9.20am accident four cars heading towards Fakenham - a blue VW Passat, black Ford Escort, blue Audi A4 and a purple Vauxhall Astra - had been involved in a minor collision on the same stretch of road.

Anybody with information about the accident is asked to call PC Steve Tyrrell on 0845 456 4567.

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