Friends raise funds to give motorcyclist killed on M62 a 'proper good send off'

The friends and family of a Preston man who died in a crash on the M62 on Good Friday have rallied together to give him a 'proper good send off'.

Karl Chester died after his motorbike hit a car near the junction for Rishworth Moor on Friday morning.

Now, his friend Ryan Allsop has set up a crowdfunding page to raise money to help pay for his funeral.

The post leads with a poem - a tribute to the keen motorbike rider and father of three:

Often called Thumper by many who know.

As we look up to Heaven,

Though the window we see you clear,

As the bikes start their engines,

We all know you are near.

Rest our dear friend in your home up above,

Know you were by so many dearly loved

In just a few days, the crowdfunder has passed its £500 target - with a new £900 goal set.

Friends and family have left tributes to him along with the donations.

Pat Ng said:

"Karl was a true and genuine gentleman! It is an honour to return our favour to his much loved wife and kids."

While Matthew Gonzales wrote:

"Gone but not forgotten. Rest in Peace Karl."

And Rachel Lancaster said:

"He always made me smile whenever I saw him. I'll remember him for being a cheeky monkey."

A date for the funeral has yet to be confirmed