AS a journalist former Bridport News editor Margery Hookings has a lifetime’s experience writing about tragedy.

But now she’s having to deal with it first hand after the death of her nephew at Glastonbury.

Ashton Launcherley died after apparently catching fire at the world-famous music festival - an event he’d been attending since he was a very small child.

The 27-year-old circus entertainer was rushed to hospital after suffering serious burns at Worthy Farm but died days later on June 21.

His family are struggling to come to terms with his loss - and the enormous cost of his funeral.

But they are also touched by the actions of a complete stranger who set up a crowdfunding page to help the family.

Ms Hookings, from Broadwindsor said: “It’s all so tragic. I have been in touch with my sister and her family, who are doing the best they can. It’s going to cost £500 alone to transport my nephew’s body from Birmingham to Somerset so the Crowdfunding donations will make a huge difference.

“I’d like to thank everyone so much. The boy had so much to live for.”

Tributes have been pouring in for Ashton and the online fundraising page has already raised more than £3,000.

Ms Hookings added: “The sensitivity of the people on the festival field was amazing.

“Before the helicopter arrived, he was attended by first aiders who loved him and hugged him and talked to him.

“We appreciate very much everyone’s compassionate thoughts and actions which is a great help at this time. Everything was done with dignity.

“These were a nurse/permaculture gardener, a farmer, a reiki practitioner and a fireman. Everything was done with dignity.

“There have also been innumerable tributes to him and of his skills from his Facebook friends which have been touching.

“We still continue to be completely overwhelmed by the kindness of family, friends and strangers.”

Ms Hookings thanked everyone for continuing to support the Crowdfunding campaign, set up by Katrina King, who the family has still never met.

Ashton’s mother said: “The family would like to thank Katrina, the caring careworker who set up this fund, and we appreciate very much everyone’s compassionate thoughts and actions which is a great help at this time.”

The money will go towards the funeral expenses, which are considerable.

Katrina’s partner Chris King said: “I was proud of my Mrs before and what this has meant to you as family has just topped it all off. Katrina is always a caring person so thank you for your kind words which are so generous in spirit at such a difficult time for you and your close ones.

“We only hope this helps in some way... however small in the circumstances.”

Ms Hookings said the crowdfunding campaign was not only moving but of enormous help to a the family faced with such huge and unexpected costs.

The address of the crowdfunding page is crowdfunding.justgiving.com/katrina-king