The Ross community has rallied to help a family devasted by the loss of their father.

Eric Marchant was found by police in Clehonger on Monday, November 12th after they received calls reporting concern for the welfare of a man. Eric was originally from Ross-on-Wye, he attended John Kyrle High School and the Sea Cadets.

A police spokesperson said:?“The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious at this time and a file will be prepared for the coroner in due course.

Mr Marchant moved to Clehonger with his young family in April. He was married and had two children.

Milly Boylan, who lives in Ross knows the family well. Her son, Paddy, also attended JKHS and the Sea Cadets with Eric and they have both had their own issues with mental health.

Milly said: ”Everyone who knows Eric’s family in Ross, and his wife and children are devastated. Lottie, who is six years old, used to call in to see Milly at her tattoo parlour in Ross most days before the move to Clehanger, and Toby who is just two years old, will have to deal with the loss of their father for years to come.”

Eric’s funeral is on November 27th and friends have opened a crowdfunding page to help support the family with the costs of this. However, Milly said: “Not everyone wants to give money or to give online.”

She has set up a collection point in Peacocks for people to give gifts which will then be given to the children for Christmas. She said: “I want them to have a wow moment on Christmas morning. Milly has already been promised a tree and some donations. She said: “The shops I have asked already have been amazing. The whole community has rallied round to support them.

“The staff at Peacocks have been really helpful as I already have a collection point in the store for donations for the homeless, sleeping bags are always the most needed items as they are easy to carry and to dry out after a wet night.”

Donations to the homeless can be second hand in good condition but the gifts for the Marchant family must be as new. Any duplicated donations will be given to the charity Women’s Aid as Christmas is always a busy time for charities which help victims of domestic abuse.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.