Tributes flood in for 'true gent' Tom Dixon as more than £3,000 raised in two days to support grieving Seaham family

Touching tributes have been made to a Seaham dad-of-two who tragically died after his car crashed into a school field.
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Now, a Just Giving page – which was set up to support Tom’s family and help cover funeral costs – has raised more than £3,000 in just two days.

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His family have shared their heartbreak at the loss of their ‘beautiful soul’ who leaves behind two young children – Marshall, age four, and Evelyn, age three.

Tom Dixon with mum Jan (top left), sister Katie-Jayne (right) and dad Paul (bottom left).Tom Dixon with mum Jan (top left), sister Katie-Jayne (right) and dad Paul (bottom left).
Tom Dixon with mum Jan (top left), sister Katie-Jayne (right) and dad Paul (bottom left).

The Just Giving page says: “Everyone who had the pleasure to meet Tom would agree he was a loyal, supportive friend whose smile would light up a room. He was a true gentleman and would go out if his way to make sure everyone around him was okay.

“He was a fantastic Dad to Marshall and Evelyn, a loving son to Jan and Paul, the best brother to Katie-Jayne and amazing uncle to Ophelia-Jayne.

“Our thoughts are with his family, they are such a close knit family we know how devastating it will be for them.”

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With an original target of £500, more than £3,200 has been donated in two days and floods of tributes have poured in for the man, who has been described as ‘one of the nicest lads you could ever wish to meet’.

Left: Tom pictured with niece and goddaughter Ophelia-Jayne. Right: Daughter Evelyn, son Marshall and niece Ophelia-Jayne.Left: Tom pictured with niece and goddaughter Ophelia-Jayne. Right: Daughter Evelyn, son Marshall and niece Ophelia-Jayne.
Left: Tom pictured with niece and goddaughter Ophelia-Jayne. Right: Daughter Evelyn, son Marshall and niece Ophelia-Jayne.

Friend Simon Shaw, who set up a Just Giving page, said: “Tom will be a huge miss to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. From a minute conversation, to a lifetime friend, you would know instantly he was a true gent and one of the lads.

“We all will treasure every memory we have of him.”

The Seaham lad leaves behind children Marshall and Evelyn, parents Jan and Paul, sister Katie-Jayne, grandparents Audrey and John, and niece and goddaughter Ophelia-Jayne.

An investigation is ongoing to determine circumstances around a one-vehicle crash after a black Citroen DS3 left the A1231 and landed in Washington Academy’s school field. Tragically, Tom was pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday, November 1.

Tom Dixon with son MarshallTom Dixon with son Marshall
Tom Dixon with son Marshall

Hundreds of tributes have flooded in on social media:

David Fountain: “Worked with Tom at Nissan and you really couldn’t meet a nicer guy. RIP Tom mate.”

Daniel Higgins: “I went through school with him. He was such a lovely down to earth gentleman, that would do anything for anyone. He will be missed greatly by all his family and friends and the whole Seaham community.”

Samantha Bell: “Absolutely heartbreaking! What a lovely lovely lad you were Tom. This whole thing is just devastating my heart goes out to your family and them two beautiful kids. Fly high Tom.”

Andrew Steele: “RIP Tom, one of the nicest lads anyone could meet. Thoughts are with his family at this awful time.”

Billy Reilly: “One of the best lads I've ever met. Good to get on with. Good humour and had a good laugh at work. Plus we talked everything about photography. He love his hobby. Still can get it out of my mind that your gone. Dance in the heavens mate and shine through the sunshine every day.”

Tony Mahan: “Had the pleasure of working with Tom when I was at Nissan. A genuine lovely and caring lad who always had time for other people. R.I.P mate. Thoughts and prayers go out to all his family.”

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