More than £2,000 has been raised for a dad-of-two killed when storm debris smashed through a van windscreen.
Stephen Matthews, 68, from Aintree, was travelling as a passenger in a van at Switch Island on Friday, February 18, when debris from Storm Eunice smashed through the windscreen.
Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service were called at around 2.10pm but Stephen was pronounced dead at the scene. The man driving the van was not injured in the incident.
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On Monday, February 21, Stephen's family paid tribute to him.
They said: “Stephen was a popular and well-known member of the Aintree community who was tragically taken from us too soon.
“The beloved husband of Sylvia and devoted Dad to Jonathan and Robert, he will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.”
Hours after police formally named Stephen on social media Joanne McKie, one of his nieces, set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for his funeral.
The description of the GoFundMe read: "After the tragic loss of my Uncle Steve who was killed in a freak accident during the Storm Eunice, I wanted to set up this page to help his beloved wife Sylvia with the funeral costs to support her at this difficult time.
"Steve was a wonderful husband, dad, grandad, loving uncle and a popular member of the Aintree community and will be greatly missed by all.
"The family and everyone who knew Steve have been left stunned at the catastrophic circumstances in which he was taken. Any funds raised will go towards giving Steve the send off he deserves.
"Sylvia, Jonathan and Robert appreciate the kind words of condolences sent at this traumatic time."
In just three hours £2,440 was collected for Stephen's family, and by Tuesday morning the total was £2,890.
To donate to Stephen's GoFundMe page, click here.
