‘He deserved a better end to his life than this’
The family of a beloved grandfather who died after being hit by a car in Gillingham have paid tribute to him. Tom Wallace, 89, died after being struck by a grey Mercedes on the A289 Gads Hill at around 12.10pm on Monday (December 29).
It is reported the vehicle continued and was later found in Eastcourt Lane, where the two occupants had left on foot. Tom had been carried by the car and was located a distance away on the ground at Grange Road.
Despite the best efforts of responding emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Now his family have issued a touching a tribute in his honour.
“Tom Wallace. L.D.S, R.C.S. Eng. had been a dental surgeon in the Medway Towns for all his working life. He had been married for 63 years, was a father of three, a grandfather of four, and recently a great grandfather.
“He loved his family dearly and was loved by them in return. He sailed his boat up and down the east coast, and across the Channel to France, usually single-handed.
“For years he was a bell-ringer at the church on Gillingham Green. He was a Samaritan for many years, raised money for the NSPCC and undertook several European cycling tours to raise funds for Marie Curie.
“He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this. The residents and postman who tried to help in Grange Road were compassionate and kind.
“Our thanks and appreciation go out to them.” On Thursday (January 1), Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Orange Hill Road, Edgware, was charged with death by dangerous driving.
Erald Paci, 29, of Five Way Court, Chatham, was charged with perverting the course of justice. Both men are Albanian nationals and appeared in court on Friday (January 2).
No pleas were offered on these charges, and they were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, January 30.
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