Tribute to Jude Morris who died in motocross crash

Jude Morris, from Corfe Castle, was racing in the British Motocross Championship at Duns in Scotland on Saturday when he was injured going over a jump and sadly died.

Since then, there has been an outpouring of love and support for the young rider and his family, as Jude's friends and supporters come to terms with the loss.

Jude's father Mark Morris, 53, has paid tribute to his 'hard-working and inspiring' son.

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Mr Morris said: "Jude was such a good and kind kid and the reaction online since he passed away has been amazing and a bit overwhelming.

"He was so liked and so hard-working and inspiring. We are all so proud of him."

Jude Morris Picture: Mark Morris

Jude attended Corfe Castle Primary School and The Purbeck School before studying sports science at Bournemouth and Poole College, while spending all his spare time focusing on his passion, motocross.

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Mr Morris said: "Jude used to watch me do some off-road stuff when he was young so we bought him a little electric bike when he was about five and he used to ride it all the time. Then, when he was seven or eight, we got him a little motocross bike and he just loved to ride.

"It wasn't until he was slightly older that he decided he wanted to start racing and in his first ever race he came fourth - he was a very good rider and he worked incredibly hard to become an athlete."

Jude had won twice at the British Youth Championships in Canada Heights and Whitby this year, as well as the MX Nationals at Cusses Gorse. The young star was admired in the motocross industry and was always happy to give advice to those who looked up to him.

Mr Morris said: "Because he was where he was in his career, lots of people were messaging him for advice and he would help them. So many kids looked up to him."

Jude Morris Picture: Mark Morris

Mr Morris added: "He was my best friend and my hero. I did everything with him since he was 11-years-old - we were together everyday. He always stopped and smiled and talked to people. He was such a good kid."

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Jude's coach Ash Wilde has also paid tribute to the 'determined and dedicated' rider. He said: "Your hard work, determination and dedication through the four years we worked together was an amazing journey and I am so happy I got to be part of it.

"Your life was filled with happiness and joy and that's how you will be remembered. Ride in peace Jude."

A date has not yet been set for Jude's funeral, which his family want to be a celebration. Mr Morris said: "It's important to us that his funeral is a celebration of his life. While it is very sad that Jude is gone, we don't want other people to be sad."