A BACKPACKER’S trip of a lifetime ended in tragedy after he died during a a car crash in New Zealand – leaving his friends and family heartbroken.

Joseph Snode, 26, from Westcliff, has been described as a “loving and caring” son, brother, and boyfriend, by his mother following the tragic incident on January 28.

He set off to travel the world back in September and was in New Zealand at the time of the crash.

The 26-year-old grew up in Westcliff and attended Belfairs Academy in Leigh.

His mum, Elaine Snode, has now paid tribute to her “caring” son.

She said: “We are totally devastated by losing Joseph in such a way when he was so full of love and life and had a future planned.

“Each day is a struggle to get going and there are memories of Joseph everywhere.

“I don’t understand how life goes on when you lose a child.

“He was such a caring young man, never judged people, and accepted everyone as they were.

“Joseph was all about enjoying and experiencing life to the full. He had so many more places to visit. He met so many wonderful people on his travels, including his soul mate girlfriend Ida.

“Joseph did so much in his 26 years. We are just devastated.”

Joseph set off in September to travel as he always dreamed of seeing the world and experiencing as many different cultures as he could.

He had visited Japan, China, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand before his tragic death.

A GoFundMe appeal has since been set up to help his family cover funeral and memorial costs. More than £9,000 as already been raised in less than four days.

Elaine added: “So many people have sent us memories of Joseph and told us how he supported them and helped them.

“We are overwhelmed by the love and messages. We knew our Joseph was liked but we underestimated how he was loved by so many from all over the world. The GoFundMe was set up after several of his friends asked to help cover the funeral and memorial costs.

“We plan to have a short funeral service for him. But at a later date hold a big celebration memorial service about Joseph. Any money left over will go to a chosen charity in his name.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/for-joseph-snodes-funeral-and-memorial-send-off