‘Loved by all’ Father dies after wasp sting
AFUNDRAISER has been set up in tribute to a Hartcliffe father who died after going into anaphylactic shock when he was stung by a wasp.
George Cox, 45, had been out gardening last month when he was stung and suffered the severe allergic reaction, resulting in a cardiac arrest.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and performed CPR before taking Mr Cox to hospital.
He was put in an induced coma but he died on Saturday, six days after the garden incident.
Mr Cox spent 15 years working for Bristol-based Bailey Caravans, where he progressed through the business.
His manager, Craig Dudridge, described him as a “big character” who was “loved by everyone”.
He added: “George worked all departments and he was a very talented guy, and you’d only have to show him something once and he’d pick it up.
“He progressed through the business and worked in the VIP section and finishing the units.
“He was our tractor driver, electrician, sprayer – there was no job he couldn’t overcome and he could turn his hand to anything.
“It’s a sad, sad loss as you can’t replace characters like that. He was a one-off.
“George was a big character, he was loved by everyone at Bailey’s – and that’s from the owner to the directors, to managers, team leaders and the shop floor.”
Mr Dudridge said the news of Mr Cox’s death had shocked everyone at the company.
He added: “We’ve come in today and it’s very a sombre mood. Everybody
is still in shock and unable to process it.
“We’re supporting each other, we’re sharing fun stories of our memories of George.
“He was one of those guys that if you were having a bad day he’d be there for you. He always had a smile on his face and an arm around you. He’d say a few words and make you laugh.
“It’s a massive loss to our family. We are there to support his family and we’re helping put in place things for them, which is a great gesture and shows how much he was loved.”
Tracy Claridge, a neighbour and a friend to the family, has set up a GoFundMe page for donations to help fund funeral costs.
It has already raised more than £5,000.
She said: “George was the loudest, funniest, but most caring lad who would do anything for anybody, and everybody loved him.
“We are blown away by the support and this just shows how many people loved George and how he touched people’s lives.”
Mr Cox was a carer to his partner Robyn, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was 19.
The pair had been together for 20 years and had a 10-year-old daughter, Brook.
Mr Cox also leaves behind a 28-year-old son, Jack, and grandson Ralphie.
To make a donation to the funeral costs, visit gofundme.com and search for ‘George Cox.’