A devastated community is rallying round to raise money for the funeral of a “beautiful young lad” found in a river so they can give him the send off he deserves.

Ipswich Star: The site where the body was discovered at the River Gipping near London Road, Ipswich Picture: RACHEL EDGEThe site where the body was discovered at the River Gipping near London Road, Ipswich Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

Joe Pooley, aged 22, from Ipswich, was found at around 10.30am on Monday, August 13 in the River Gipping, near to London Road, in Ipswich.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pooley’s death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.

A public Facebook page set up by his mother, Sam Nicholls, to raise £5,000 for his funeral has already raised £2,367.

On the page, Ms Nicholls wrote: “Joe was very unique and his learning disabilities could make him challenging at times but having said that Joe sadly suffered a lot of bullying due to his vulnerability.

Ipswich Star: The site where the body was discovered at the River Gipping near London Road, Ipswich Picture: RACHEL EDGEThe site where the body was discovered at the River Gipping near London Road, Ipswich Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

“Sadly Joe was taken from me in circumstances that no mother should experience and I still have more questions than answers.

“One thing is clear that since Joe passed many, many people have left comments saying how special Joe was.

“For that reason I thought some of these people may like to donate to the fundraiser I have created in order to send Joe off in the way that he deserved and would appreciate.”

Ms Nicholls thanked those who have donated to the appeal so far.

Mr Pooley was being helped by Ipswich MP Sandy Martin before his death.

A statement from Mr Martin’s office said the MP and his caseworkers were “shocked and saddened” to read of the death, adding: “We believe Joe’s situation could have been improved but it is not clear exactly why that didn’t happen.

“This is hopefully something that an inquest will investigate.

“Sandy’s office is offering Sam as much help as they can and are looking to get grants to help with some of the costs of Joe’s funeral.

“Joe’s family are obviously devastated and still deeply in shock. They are trying their best to piece everything together.”

Anyone who would like to donate towards the cost of the funeral should visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/918606664997410/