THE family of Jamie Bruce, who died after celebrating his 21st birthday in Exeter, say they have been inundated with support since the tragedy.

Jamie, of Lynwood Avenue, St Thomas, suffered multiple injuries when he fell from New Bridge Street onto Tudor Street, near the Exe Bridges.

As reported in the Echo, he was on his way home after a night out with friends in Exeter to celebrate his milestone birthday. He died five days later.

His parents, Karen Herbert and James Bruce, are meeting the funeral director today to discuss funeral arrangements.

Mother Karen said: "I could not have coped without the wonderful support we have received from everyone. It has been unbelievable.

"I knew Jamie was special and had a lot of friends, but I never imagined so many people would write to us. We have been receiving a bundle of fresh letters through the post every day.

"I can't thank the local community enough for all its support. Even the local post office, chip shop and doctors surgery have sent cards."

Jamie's siblings Darren, 19, Katie, 12 and Michael, 10, have also received support from all their friends.

Karen said: "Teachers at their schools have been very understanding. We have just had support from every angle. People have even offered to do the food shopping. It is the only thing that is getting us through.

"The love in this community is overwhelming."

Jamie's second cousin Mandy Robinson, a catering assistant from St Thomas, has been visiting Jamie's parents daily.

She said: "The response from friends has been astonishing, some of which we never knew he had.

"They have received hundreds of cards, which proves just how popular Jamie was.

"He knew so many people through school and his job.

"Jamie's friends have been lovely. They have been round at the house every day, also to be there for Jamie's brothers and sister.

"They have not had to spend a night alone since it happened.

"The news is still sinking in, it has been unbelievably hard."

One of Jamie's best friends, Paris Saunders, has had Jamie's name and date of birth tattooed onto her arm.

Jamie's brother Darren and cousin James Madge, 20, have also had similar tattoos done.

Paris said: "We decided to get the tattoos for Jamie to show how much we love him and that he will never be forgotten in heart, mind or skin."

Paris has also helped to get T-shirts printed with Jamie's photo on, which will be worn at his funeral. Paris said: "The T-shirts are colourful and lively, which is how friends want to remember Jamie.

"His parents are going to request that no-one wear black. They want people to dress in bright colours."

According to Paris, the news of Jamie's death is still sinking in. She said: "It has been a terrible shock to all who knew him.

"I will never get over it and I will never forget him. But I will always remember the good times we had and what a great guy he was."

Readers have continued to pay tribute to Jamie on the Echo's website, www. thisisexeter.co.uk.

Lizzie Letheren, of St Thomas, wrote: "Jamie was like a brother to me. I grew up on the same road as him and we did the mechanics course together at college.

"I was the only girl on the course, but Jamie never left me out and always made sure I wasn't on my own.

"I will miss Jamie so much and I am so happy I got to be a part of his life."

Julie Foster, of Exwick, wrote: "Jamie, you were loved by so many. You had such a lovely smile, and would help anyone. I know you will be watching down on us all, until we meet again, rest in peace."

Jamie's younger brother Michael, 10, wrote: "Jamie was the best brother ever and I love him to bits."