The Braintree parents of a man, tragically killed as he walked alongside an Essex road, have paid tribute to their son.

Toby Delderfield, 23, a herdsman, was in collision with a red Transit van as he walked near his home in Abridge, near Theydon Bois, on January 16.

He died five days later in Whipps Cross Hospital, East London.

Today his parents Peter and Karen Delderfield, who are separated and both live in Braintree, said they could not imagine life without him.

The former Alec Hunter and Tabor High school pupil went to Writtle Agricultural College while working for Lord Rayleighs Farms at Terling.

He grew up in Cressing and left the Braintree area in 1996, to work at various locations, including Yorkshire and Wales, where he was involved in the care of animals.

He moved to Abridge a couple of years ago to take up a job as a herdsman.

"Toby was a kind-hearted man who was very much loved by his family.

"He had ambitions of becoming a dairy manager and working in Australia," said his parents.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the incident.

Anyone with information can call Chigwell Traffic Police 01279 621821.

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003

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