A "bubbly" dad who "would do anything for you" died suddenly.
Drew Howe, who was living in Widnes but originally from Stockport, was found dead on October 19 aged 26. Friend Adam Bellis said Drew had been suffering with his mental health prior to his death.
Adam and other close friend Josh McLean said they were "truly heartbroken" at the loss of Drew and are now fundraising to help the 26-year-old's young son Caleb and the rest of his family. Speaking to the ECHO, Adam, 26, said Drew was "more like a brother" to him and they had both met through their work as lorry drivers.
READ MORE: Teen found guilty of attempted murder after shooting man and girl in street
He said: "I met him about two and half, three years ago. I just met him through the trucks basically. We parked up in the same place one night and the lads I was with at the time that I knew, knew Drew and he just came to the pub with us all and it went from there.
"We hit it off and became best mates."
Adam added Drew was kind-hearted and would help anyone who needed it. He told the ECHO : "He was more like a brother to be honest. He would do anything for you and go out of his way to help you.
"It's such a shock to us all because he was such a bubbly character and he was dead lively all the time."
Drew was said to be "obsessed" with his trucks and enjoyed going out with his friends to DJ sets and raves. Adam said the dad-of-one's death is "hard to get used to" but has vowed to help the 26-year-old's family.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, Adam and Josh described their friend as "one of a kind". They hope the money fundraised will also help with funeral costs.
They said on the fundraising page: "Myself, Drew and Josh were a close trio and we’re truly heartbroken by losing Drew. We’re hoping to raise some money in his memory, to help his family with his funeral or whatever they may need.
"Also thought it could put some money one side for Drew’s little lad Caleb. Drew was one of a kind, as many of you know and he will be sorely missed.
"Please donate anything you can whether it’s 20p or 20 quid, it all adds up and the end result will hopefully soften the huge blow to his family and ease their worry about the costs of giving Drew the goodbye he deserves."
To donate to the GoFundMe page, please click here.
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
READ NEXT:
'Big friendly giant' found dead at 32
Teen found guilty of attempted murder after shooting man and girl in street
Teen girl sexually assaulted by man sat next to her on easyJet flight
Moment BMW thugs block road and attack van with metal bar
This Morning's Holly Willoughby puts head in hands as she lets slip Strictly spoiler
