A MUM says she is overwhelmed by the support she and her two young boys have received following the death of their dad.

Since news of Jamie Harding’s death last Wednesday, hundreds of people have paid tribute to him on Facebook.

A shrine has been put up in Lark Hill Road, close to the railway line where he died, decked with flowers, messages, cuddly toys, Aston Villa football shirts, candles and other mementos.

Now the community in and around Ronkswood, where he was from, have organised a number of events to raise funds for his funeral and headstone, including a family fun day on Sunday.

The outpouring of grief and generosity of people, including several local businesses, has been overwhelming for Sam Beck – the mum of his two young boys, Justin, aged five, and 11- month-old Alex.

“I’m blown away by the reaction,”

said 23-year-old Miss Beck.

“I knew he was popular, but I didn’t realise how popular.

“I just want to thank everyone for what they have done for Jamie and the boys. He has some amazing friends.

“Jamie was a larger than life character. Everyone who knew him thought he was a great guy.

No one had a bad word to say about him.

“He was a loveable rogue – a bit of a bad boy, but very well loved.

“He was such a proud dad. He loved his boys and his kids loved and idolised him.

“He was a great dad. He would have done anything for them.”

Miss Beck said five-year-old Justin, a pupil at Stanley Road Primary School, was struggling to understand the loss of his dad.

“He is absolutely devastated,”

she said. “He asks for his dad every day. “But his school has been so supportive. They’ve been really great.”

Mr Harding, a factory worker who attended Nunnery Wood Primary and secondary schools, was a popular face in many local pubs including the Punch Bowl, Oak Apple, Sebright and Gun Tavern and played league pool.

An inquest into his death has been opened.

􀁥 A free family fun day is taking place at the Punchbowl pub in Ronkswood on Sunday to raise funds for Mr Harding’s funeral and headstone.

The day, which starts at 3.30pm, includes a sponsored walk, tombola, raffle, face-painting and balloon release. A sponsored football match is also taking place at Archdales field at 12.30pm. To make a donation, visit rip-jamie.webs.com.