A HEARTBROKEN family has paid tribute to a 89-year-old man who was killed in an alleged hit-and-run just days after Christmas.
Tom Wallace died after being carried on top of a car for over a mile from where he was struck.
In a statement released via the police, the victim’s family thanked those who tried to help him on December 29.
In a heart-warming tribute, the family said: “Tom Wallace, L.D.S, R.C.S. Eng. had been a dental surgeon in the Medway Towns for all his working life.
“He had been married for 63 years, was a father of three, a grandfather of four, and recently a great grandfather.
“He loved his family dearly and was loved by them in return. He sailed his boat up and down the east coast, and across the Channel to France, usually single-handed.
The family added: “For years he was a bell-ringer at the church on Gillingham Green. He was a Samaritan for many years, raised money for the NSPCC and undertook several European cycling tours to raise funds for Marie Curie.
“He was a respected and loved member of the community and deserved a better end to his life than this.
“The residents and postman who tried to help in Grange Road were compassionate and kind. Our thanks and appreciation go out to them.”
Tom Wallace was struck by a grey Mercedes estate at around 12.10pm on December 29, 2025, on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent.
The alleged driver of the car continued driving for a mile with Wallace’s body on the vehicle.
Wallace’s body was found in Grange Road near the junction with Lower Fetherby Road.
The grandfather was treated at the scene but was declared dead despite the best efforts of paramedics.
One resident said the pedestrian was found by a postman who had previously seen a car with something on its roof.
He then stopped when he saw something on Grange Road only to discover it was a man.
The resident said the postman was “absolutely devastated” and that it was “horrible to see the poor bloke lying there”.
The two occupants had left on foot after abandoning the car in Eastcourt Lane.
The Albanian nationals appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday and have been charged with multiple offences.
Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Edgware, north London, was charged with death by dangerous driving, intention to pervert the course of justice, driving with no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, failure to stop after an accident, and failure to report an accident.
The other occupant, Erald Paci, 29, of Chatham, Kent, was charged with intention to pervert the course of justice.
The defendants were remanded in custody by Judge Stephen Leake and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on January 30.
