A WELL-KNOWN amateur athlete has died on holiday in Dubai.

Gavin Duffy, who was 29 and from Billingham, was reportedly involved in a road accident.

The quantity surveyor was on holiday in the United Arab Emirates city when he died on Friday, November 22.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said: “We were made aware of the death of a British national, on 22 November in Dubai.

“We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”

Mr Duffy did not have travel insurance and an online funding campaign has already raised more than £6,000. Of that, about £4,000 was donated today, Monday, November 25.

There have been many tributes on the gofundme website where friends are raising money to help Mr Duffy’s family.

One, from Rachel Mulloy, said: “If you had the pleasure to meet Gavin, you would agree that he had an infectious personality and lust for life that touched everyone that he met. He was also an accomplished runner and completed many events on behalf of various charities.”

Another, from Chris Birrell, who donated £100, said: “Jumpers for goalposts on Flicky field. A smile as wide as the Transporter Bridge. RIP Gav.”

Another said: “Never had the pleasure of meeting Gav, but know lots of people who did and know he will be missed. Let’s bring him home for his family.”

Mr Duffy was a member of the Billingham Marsh House Harriers. An announcement on the athletic club’s Facebook site said: “It is with great sadness that we as a club announce the tragic passing of BMHH member and rising star Gav Duffy. This news has reached us from friends and family members via social media. We are in total shock at this tragic news.”

The Harriers, many of whom have contributed to the fund to bring Mr Duffy’s body home, are to have a minute’s silence in his memory.

Mr Duffy had just beaten his best ever time in a 10k race at 33.36 minutes and had flown to Dubai from Newcastle Airport to meet friends last Friday, November 21.