Family pay tribute to Kesgrave man Richard Codrington after his death from cancer – as GoFundMe raises nearly £4,000 in days

Tributes have been paid to a Kesgrave grandad with a bold personality and whose happiness came from others, who has died aged 59.

Richard Codrington, who was from Nacton but lived in the town, lost his five-month battle with oesophageal cancer on April 10.

For the first three months of his illness, Mr Codrington – known by friends as ‘Terry’ – was still himself, socialising, driving and shopping at his favourite store, TK Maxx.

Following his death, his family set up a GoFundMe to ‘give him a second off he deserved’, which has raised nearly £4,000 in four days.

Mr Codrington’s son, Darnell, described his dad as the life of the party and a great mentor.

Darnell said: “Dad was a bold personality, always the loudest in the room. He would be the one cracking jokes, being loud and talking with everyone with a Jack Daniels and cola in hand.

“Mainly, he liked to see others smile and his happiness came from making other people happy.

“He was a well-known security guard in Ipswich and used to talk about work a lot, telling stories.

“He also always loved listening to music ridiculously loud and dancing. He also loved Boots and Costa.”

Mr Codrington leaves behind Darnell and three daughters, Shanell, Sapphire and Darcie and grandchild, Cherish.

He was married to Sam Codrington for 25 years. Despite their divorce, his family said the pair were best friends.

“Mum was with dad every step of the way, she went to every chemotherapy session and was by his bedside every night and was with him until the end,” they said.

Mr Codrington was a popular man and the family are looking to book a large venue that will accommodate self-catering.

You can donate to the Codringtons’ GoFundMe here.

The family said: “We’re absolutely gobsmacked with how much we have raised. He knew a lot of people and all the money will go towards his wake.

“He was a soldier, he’d put on a brave face even if he was suffering deep down.

“He also put a lot of pride into his looks and was a well put-together individual.”