Tributes paid to Bexley lollipop man after tragic crash

Gordon Jeffrey, aged 72, was involved in a collision with a van whilst cycling in Bexley Village on March 9, and was sadly declared dead at the scene.

His granddaughter has said the death has left the whole family "shocked," and paid tribute to the "family man," well loved by "all of Crayford."

"He didn't have a bad bone in his body," said Grace Cordrey, aged 23.

"Grandad was a lovely, lovely man, a genuine person who gave everything he had to everything he did."

Gordon Jeffrey, Bexley lollipop man, and his family

Gordon was well-loved as the local lollipop man outside the Old Bexley C of E Primary School, working there for around three years, Grace said.

The 72-year-old used to work as a factory worker but retired several years ago, and then the role of lollipop man came up and seemed perfect for him.

Gordon Jeffrey, Bexley lollipop man.

Grace said that when Gordon interviewed, he was told he had big boots to fill but over the last few years, he was told he had "100% filled them."

"The children were such a big part of his life.

Gordon Jeffrey, Bexley lollipop man, and his family

"He actually knew the whole of Crayford, he was friendly and everyone who knew Gordon thought he was lovely.

"He loved a pint at the pub too, in almost every photo we could find of him he was holding a pint!"

"The loss has hit us really hard - it was such a big shock when we found out."

Gordon, who lived in Crayford, was travelling to the Bexley primary school for work when the accident happened.

Police said a cyclist in his 60s collided with a van at around 8am on Bourne Road in Bexley, March 9.

65-year-old cyclist killed after collision with van in Bexley Village. Photo: Credit Matthew Gainsford

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) were called, and the victim sadly died at the scene.

"We were so shocked, to lose someone you love in a freak accident.

"I was at home when my mum rang me, saying Grandad had been in an accident. Obviously you panic, but I think we thought the next line would be Grandad was at home or in hospital.

"It was a very very big shock to find out he'd died at the scene. My aunty was working at Erith Hospital and found out there had been a crash and just went cold. She arrived at my Nan's at the same time as police.

"Since then it's been really up and down. The emotion comes in waves, and we miss him.

Gordon Jeffrey, Bexley lollipop man, and his family

"We've always been a close family, and we're staying strong for Nan."

A new problem has also emerged in the wake of Gordon's sad passing, with Bexley Council reportedly unable to employ a replacement lollipop man outside the school.

Calling the situation "not ideal," Bexley Council say they currently have a lack of clarity on TfL funding, causing parents to criticise the lack of safe crossing on Hurst Road and the lack of action by the council as "toothless and dangerous."

One parent, Joanne Cooper, said it was only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed outside the primary school after the council opted to leave the children to "fend for themselves."

The 35-year-old parent also said: "Gordon was the loveliest man, and it was so upsetting to hear about the news.

"He was such a nice man and it was so sad for everyone who knew him, especially the children.

"As a lollipop man, he knew all the children by name and would always stop for a chat. He was also the reason our kids got to school safely."

Grace added: "Gordon was a great family man, he really loved my kids, his grandchildren.

"He also had a really rare blood type, and so he was always giving blood. The blood he donated often went to premature babies and those really in need, and I think that sums up how selfless he was."

Grace's nan, Jan, has since decided to set up a fundraiser in support of the emergency workers who were sent out to the accident.

The LAS and air ambulance were at the scene of the accident, and Jan said that with many people unable to attend the funeral, anyone who wanted to can instead donate to their charity fundraiser in support of the NHS workers.

Grace said she knew Gordon "had a lot of friends," but was proud of how well it had done, already raising over £4,700 for the Air Ambulance.