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Swimmer, 23, who died had 'the biggest heart'

Andrew TurnerBBC News, Norfolk
News imageFamily photograph Ezra Tilford-Key in what appears to be a nightclub or party. He is smiling. He has a full beard and moustache, and has medium-length dark hair. He is wearing a black t-shirt and a blue jacket. A light shaft from a spotlight can be seen behind him.Family photograph
Ezra Tilford-Key was described as a "lovely chap" who was "quite cheeky, funny" and "very loving"

Tributes have been paid to a swimmer who died after getting into difficulty at a beauty spot on the Broads.

Ezra Tilford-Key, 23, was pulled from the water at Horstead Mill on the River Bure, in Norfolk, on Tuesday 5 August.

A fundraising appeal has been set up to help his family pay for his funeral.

Holly Sandiford, a family friend who started the appeal, said: "I remember him being little and he [was] my favourite little boy. He was so cute and sweet and [had] the biggest heart..."

News imageHolly Sandiford Holly Sandiford has long auburn hair, and is looking directly at the camera. She is standing near some trees, which are in soft focus.Holly Sandiford
Holly Sandiford has started an appeal to help meet Mr Tilford-Key's funeral expenses

"It's hard to imagine how difficult it is for the family, [it's] just the most heart-breaking, awful thing.

"They're a very strong and close-knit family and they're holding each other tight, and they're really looking after [Ezra's mum].

"He was a lovely chap: quite cheeky, funny, very loving.

"All his friends say how he was always there for them, and how kind he was. He had such a lovely smile."

News imageFamily photograph Ezra Tilford-Key has long dark hair and a beard and moustache. He is wearing a black hoodie-style top with random patterns in multiple colours. The edges of the image have been blurred for stylistic reasons to meet the picture template format.Family photograph
Ezra Tilford-Key's friends say he was "always there for them"

Ms Sandiford, who set up a GoFundMe page, said she believed Mr Tilford-Key had been caught out by the current, which she described as "so strong".

"My stepdad got into trouble there himself about a year ago and there was actually a lifeguard there by chance enjoying the area, and if it wasn't for her...

"She saved his life. He would have drowned. He had gone under."

She said families who go to the popular picnic spot did not realise "how dangerous the current is".

Ms Sandiford added: "Something needs to be done - signposting - and I think in busy periods, like the summer holidays, you could have a lifeguard there..."

Horstead with Stanninghall Parish Council, which owns the mill, has been approached for comment.

News imageAndrew Turner The derelict structure of Horstead Mill, with people sitting and swimming in the near and middle ground. The brick structure of the mill is on the left of the image and the current of the mill race can be seen towards the centre right of the image.Andrew Turner
Ezra Tilford-Key got into difficulties while swimming at Horstead Mill on the Broads

By Monday, the appeal was near its target of £8,000.

Ms Sandiford added: "The response has been so heart-warming and the family really appreciate it because people are showing their support."

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