AN online fund-raising appeal has helped a Wellington mother fly to Canada after her son was killed by a hit-and-run driver who is now being sought by police.

Nearly £12,500 was quickly raised for Lesley Ellis, who flew out at the weekend to be with the family in Vancouver following the tragedy.

Her son, Marc Ellis, aged 38, was killed a fortnight ago while trying to rescue a stray dog on a rural road in the suburb of Abbotsford, Lower Mainland, British Columbia.

Marc, who lived in Wellington as a teenager, had moved to live with his father Wayne Ellis about 12 years ago after spending some time in Spain.

Mrs Ellis, of Olands Road, works as a supervisor in nearby Wellington House care home, in Longforth Road.

Her daughter Jennifer Wheeler, who lives with her, said the tragedy had left her mother ‘distraught’.

Marc was hit by a Dodge Ram pick-up truck driving on the wrong side of the road in the early hours of December 11 and the driver failed to stop.

He was then struck by a second vehicle whose driver called the emergency services but he died of his injuries at the scene.

Police found the damaged pick-up truck crashed a short distance away with the driver having apparently fled the scene.

Marc’s close friend Brad Hoffman started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Mrs Ellis to travel from Wellington to join a celebration of her son’s life and also to help support pets he left behind.

He was a well-known member of local dog and reptile communities and a member of the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada.

Mr Hoffman said Marc was ‘a great friend’ and a passionate member of the protection dog and reptile communities.

He said: “Marc was generous without fault, always striving to do his best. He was always willing to help, and was there for anybody.

“A life taken far too soon. The dog and reptile community have suffered a huge loss with his passing.”

Mr Hoffman said the money raised was being used to bring Mrs Ellis to Vancouver to say ‘goodbye’ to her son, and also to provide support to help care for his dogs and other pets left behind.

The funds went to Marc’s step-sister Tamsin Clarke, who paid for Mrs Ellis’s travel and stay, and who was also helping with the care and maintenance of his other pets.

A spokesman for the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada said: “On December 11 we lost one of our own as Marc Ellis was tragically and unexpectedly taken from us when he was killed in a hit and run incident while trying to rescue a loose dog on the road.

“Marc was a long-time member trialing with his dogs Parker and Quin, volunteering on the helper committee, and working many dogs as a certified trial helper.

“In 2021 and 2022, Marc was selected as front-half helper for the Canadian Working Dog Federation all breed championships and already had plans for trying out in 2023.

“Marc was a gentlemen on and off the field, always showing class and sportsmanship with his big smile. Gone but never forgotten.”

Among online tributes paid to Marc, Kylee Evanuk said: “Marc was a very special person and had an absolute heart of gold.

“He was so kind and touched the lives of so many people.

“This is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to all those suffering from this incomprehensible loss.”

The local police department’s major crime unit has taken over the investigation into Marc’s death and is still hunting the hit-and-run driver.