THE mother of Jordan Maxwell, the young man who died in a car crash, has thanked the community for its kindness and support since the accident.

Jordan, 21, died in an accident on the A38 at Hardwicke last year.

Last month, Jake Buckle, 18, was sentenced to four years and four months in jail at Gloucester Crown Court for causing Jordan’s death by dangerous driving.

This week Jordan’s mum Zoe spoke to the SNJ, paying tribute to her son and also thanking the people of Stroud, who have shown the family immense kindness and support throughout this difficult time.

The family have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by so many in the community - some of whom donated towards the cost of Jordan’s funeral via a crowdfunding page set up to raise £2,500.

The Maxwells moved to Stroud from London when Jordan was seven.

A former Thrupp Primary, Thomas Keble and Coln House School pupil, Jordan was a keen footballer and was widely known in the district’s soccer community. 

“He was well loved by many people in Stroud and what has really touched us as a family is that so many of Jordan’s friends and other people we didn’t know have come forward to tell us lovely stories about him,” said Zoe.

“I’d like to thank the Stroud community for everyone’s support and help.”

Jordan was one of three siblings, and Zoe said he was their ‘rock’.

“He always looked out for all of us,” she said.

“He was the rock in our family and it’s a struggle without him.

“The day I had to identify my son’s body was the day I died.

“I keep hoping he will walk round the corner with his handsome smiling face, then I remember, and bang, it hits me all over again.”

At the time of his death, Jordan was about to head off to South Africa where he planned to work with young people in the townships.

Jordan was laid to rest in Stroud cemetery and Zoe said she finds some solace in visiting his grave.

“I love going there to sit with him,” she said.

“We have special times there too, for his birthday and holidays, celebrating his life with friends with a barbecue, music and balloons.

“Thank you to all of you special people who have reached out to us since the accident.”