Tributes have flooded in for a "one of kind" dad after he died aged 26.
Drew Howe, who was living in Widnes over the past year but originally from Stockport, was found dead on October 19. Close friend Adam Bellis said the 26-year-old had been struggling with his mental health before he died.
The dad-of-one was described as "bubbly" and "would go out of his way to help" anyone. Since the ECHO published the tribute for Drew, readers have also sent their condolences.
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Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, Viv Lawson said: "My whole heart to you all." Jean Law added: "So, so sad for him and his family friends, god bless him and rest in peace son."
David Drury also said: "Till we meet again R.I.P drew thoughts with your family." Josh Bennett added: "My boy, live forever in our minds ATHLONE for life." Joey Farrell also paid tribute and said: "Never forget you brother."
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.
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."
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.
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