The funeral of Jungle – formerly George Pamler – on June 19, brought Darlington to a standstill, as hundreds of bikers processed through the streets, which were lined by thousands of people. Here, Jungle’s family offer their thanks to those who have helped them at this difficult time

WE would like to thank all relatives and many friends for their cards, floral tributes, messages of condolence and the overwhelming support we have received following the tragic, sudden and untimely death of the so dearly loved Jungle.

The outpouring of grief from so many has given us comfort and helped us get through such difficult days.

We would like to thank all who attended Jungle's funeral and also the incredible people of Darlington who came out in force, lining the route, showing their love, respect and compassion for a much-loved gentleman of the town.

Thank you all so very much.

The Northern Echo:

We would also like to thank all of his loyal mates, some of 50 years standing and more, too many to name individually, and other bikers who travelled from different parts of the country to ride in unity, portraying an amazing and unforgettable scene throughout the town.

We would like to thank Sgt Mark Ralphs for liaising with the family and bikers to ensure the cortege had an uneventful ride through the town. Thanks to all motorbike police on duty on the day.

A police escort for Jungle – he would have said "cushty".

Also thanks to Darlington Borough Council for their understanding and lifting of parking restrictions in the Market Square – much appreciated.

We would also like to thank St Cuthbert's Church for holding Jungle's heart-warming and memorable service, in particular the Reverend Robert Williamson for his kind words of comfort and for his guidance on planning the service.

The Northern Echo:

We would like to thank Beryl and Tony from Guru for their loyalty to Jungle and all the lads over the years. They never judged from the beginning and saw only good in Jungle and all the Hells Angels, where others couldn't. Thanks also to Chris, whose poem was read out at the funeral, and who has now completed a longer version of it, which is available in Guru, to raise more for our appeal.

In fact, our thanks go to everyone who has donated money in Jungle's memory. So far, more than £1,250 has been raised, which will be used locally for a special cause. If anyone else would like to donate, go to gofundme.com/inhonourofJungle or pop into Guru, in Blackwellgate, where Beryl is taking donations on the family's behalf.

We would next like to thank Whitehouse Funeral Service for their compassionate, professional and respectful handling of Jungle's funeral from start to finish, in particular David Gray who had known Jungle personally for many years and who guided the family through difficult days.

We would like to thank Michelle and all at Hogans for hosting Jungle's after party. Amazing. If only he could have been there.

Lastly, the family would like to thank Peter Barron, Mike Amos and all the journalists of The Northern Echo over the years, who have given their unbiased view of Jungle's life. It was never Jungle's intention for press coverage. He couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. He was just living his life as he wanted and was never looking to be in the headlines. He did find some of the stories amusing (particularly the one about Lady Starmer crashing into him in her car) but he always played them down.

The Northern Echo:

We are so grateful for the overwhelming support from so many people nationwide and even worldwide. Thousands of messages have been received via social media. They have been touching, sincere and heart-breaking to read but the family have gained comfort in the fact that the love, respect and memory of Jungle will live on in everyone's hearts forever.

RIP Jungle, gentleman – legend of the town. We will love you, miss you always and never forget you.

Jungle's family, including his sisters, daughters, partner and grandchildren.