The family of a Royston man killed on the A505 after colliding with a lorry at the weekend have led heartfelt tributes to him, calling him “a born legend” who would help anyone.

%image(15583764, type="article-full", alt="Karl Bebbington with his friend of 14 years 'Batto'. Picture: Courtesy of Natalie Mclarney")

Karl Bebbington was struck by the lorry just after 4am on Saturday on the bypass between the A10 and the A1198, north of Royston. Sadly, he died at the scene.

The 27-year-old lived with his mum Natalie Mclarney and stepdad Mark.

Natalie told the Crow: “He had the best smile in the world and such a big heart. He did anything for anyone and would always help others.

%image(15583765, type="article-full", alt="Karl, right, with his brother Jack on holiday in Malta last year. Picture: Courtesy of Natalie Mclarney")

“I was told just after 6am on Saturday by police. I don’t really know what happened, but I couldn’t believe it.

“I thought it wasn’t real – it was like a smack in the face. I feel like I have lost a part of myself.”

“On the Friday, the day before he died, we were together at home, listening to the music of Pink Floyd, Linkin Park and Guns N’ Roses. We laughed that he got his music taste from me.

%image(15583766, type="article-full", alt="Karl was a "happy person who loved to party" his family have said. Picture: Courtesy of Natalie Mclarney")

“It was a really good afternoon, just me and him. I actually came home from work early that day – now I feel I was meant to have that time with him.

Natalie, who works at Royston’s Morrisons store, moved from the family’s native Liverpool to Royston 10 years ago.

Karl joined her 18 months ago, and was a factory operative at metal coating firm Conqueror Industries in South Close. He has a 20-year-old sister, Amy, and a brother called Jack, 15.

%image(15583767, type="article-full", alt="Karl's mum Natalie has said she feels like she has "lost a part of herself" after the death of her son. Picture: Courtesy of Natalie Mclarney")

Amy said: “I’m devastated. He was my best mate and a born legend.

“He excelled at his job, and he was going to get a home of his own. His life was really coming together.

“He loved to party and saw the best in everyone. But sadly, all the great rock stars die at 27.”

%image(15583768, type="article-full", alt="Karl, right, with his brother Jack, bottom left, and his friends Nick and Nick. Picture: Courtesy of Natalie Mclarney")

The family have said that while they don’t know how it happened, they believe the death was an accident.

Amy said: “He was a happy person, it didn’t matter how bad he felt, he just got on with it.

“We know he didn’t take his own life. We just have so many questions.

%image(15583769, type="article-full", alt="Karl Bebbington has been described by his family as a "born legend" who would help anyone. Picture: Courtesy of Natalie Mclarney")

“We think he had his earphones in and was looking at his phone when it happened. It’s dark up at the bypass – maybe something needs to be done.

“Personally I still can’t believe it that I’m never going to see him again, but I’m not breaking down. He’s giving us strength.”

The family are hoping to raise £5,000 to help towards the costs of Karl’s funeral.

%image(15583770, type="article-full", alt="Karl with his sister Amy, left, and friend Hannah at another friend's birthday party. Picture: Courtesy of Natalie Mclarney")

Amy said: “Nobody saw this coming. My brother deserves an amazing goodbye, and funerals are not cheap.

“Anything is appreciated. Our goal is £5,000 but even if we do not reach that, we don’t care. Anything will do to show how much he is loved.”

To add to the family’s total go to www.gofundme.com/good-bye-karl-gone-but-never-forgot