A FORMER partner of a “caring and devoted” dad who was murdered on Canvey has thanked the community for their support following the funeral.

Matt Portwood, 42, was found injured in the car park close to Iceland in Furtherwick Road at around 1:45am on Saturday, February 4.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.

READ MORE >> Family pay tribute to ‘devoted and caring’ father who was killed on Canvey

Tributes soon flooded in to the “loved member of the Canvey community” following his death.

Then, on March 14, Matt was laid to rest with hundreds of people turning up to pay their respects.

His former partner, Vicky, said: “The dreaded day arrived, on the March 14, we laid Matt to rest. 

“A day we never thought we would have to see so soon, and especially a day his two young children should never have seen. 

“Although it was such a sad day, Matt received a true send off, a goodbye never to be forgotten. 

“Just shy of 300 people turned up to pay their respects, both family and friends from all walks of matts life. 

“Matt’s family and I want to say a personal thank you to all those who attended and to those who sent kind messages of support. 

“We decided to use The National Autistic Society as a charity to which is so close to Matt’s heart. 

“I can confirm and share with you all that on the day £320 was raised, which is an astounding amount in such a short time. 

“Matt is not gone he will live on in his two beautiful children that we had together, and I know he is always with them and will continue to be.”

Following Matt’s tragic passing, a GoFundMe was set up to support his family with more than £5,000 being raised.

Three men Jamie Lewis, a 24-year-old of Bensham Lane, Croydon, Keith Aransibia, a 59-year-old of no fixed abode, and Keiron Aransibia, a 28-year-old of Evelyn Denington Road, London, E6 – have all been charged with Matt’s murder.

They are due to stand trial at Basildon Crown Court on September 11.