Family pay tribute to ‘big’ West Ham fan who died after Pevensey Bay incident

Chris Lawrence, 27, from Eastbourne, was rescued by coastguards on Sunday morning at 7.30am after he was reported missing by his partner Ellie Duignan.

He died later at the DGH.

Already hundreds of pounds have been raised in his memory after a GoFundMe page was set up for the family.

Paul Alliston, Chris’ step-father, said, “I’ve known him for 17 years. We had a close relationship. I never expected him to do something like this, it was a shock. He’s left a hole in this family. We wish he was still here.

“He was a good lad all round. He never took life seriously and lived in his own world. He loved his football and was a big West Ham fan. He was just a young lad living his life.”

Miss Duignan, 24 and a senior support worker at The Chaseley Trust, said, “We clicked straight away. We spent everyday with each other. We were each others’ priority. I always had his back. I did a lot for him, looked after him, he was my man.

“Chris made a point of making sure I knew I was the most important person in his life, even in his final moments on this earth he ensured I felt his unconditional love.

“After being with Chris for two years I know how much he loved his two dogs Ted and Frank, he’d spend everyday with them. We loved walking our dogs down the beach and finding new green places to take them.

“Chris was an introverted person. He would prefer to be indoors with the people he loved. He loved gaming, especially Fortnite. He loved bed days and idolised his favourite music artist Future. He loved being away from the world and in the comfort of our home. He loved the company of our family.

“We negotiated to get married in nine years which was one of our jokes, but he always promised me he was going to marry me one day.”

Family friend Kerry Tingley said £1,335 has been raised so far for Chris’ family.

She said, “This is a shock. There was no indication that he was not himself. You can’t prepare yourself for something like this and the last thing the family needs is to worry about the financial side.

“He was loved and was a nice lad.”

Mr Alliston said, “It just proves he was loved by so many. It is nice to see people helping out, it means a lot.”

Mr Lawrence went to Causeway School and had been working as a taxi driver in Eastbourne for the last three years. He was one of seven siblings.

To donate towards Mr Lawrence’s family, visit www.gofundme.com/f/chris-lawrence