A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to give a Wirral dad killed in a crash in Seacombe as he cycled to work 'the send off he deserves'.
Brandon Valentine, who was also known as 'Valo' and from Rock Ferry, died at the scene of the collision involving a HGV truck at Tower Road and Birkenhead Road roundabout on Tuesday, October 29.
Mr Valentine's 'broken-hearted' family paid tribute to 'an amazing dad, partner and grandson' who would have celebrated his 26th birthday this week.
Laurah Davis, mother of Brandon’s nephew Alfie, has organised a GoFundMe appeal to help pay for funeral costs.
In a message on the donation page, Laura wrote "Brandon lost his life on his way to work in a tragic road collision He was 25. He leaves behind his son Carter James, his partner Poppy, his brother Damien, his nephew and the rest of the Valentine family. Everyone knew how much of a family man he was.
"No one should grow up without a father. Everyone is devastated and heartbroken by this major loss. I've set up this page to ease the costs for the family and to give Brandon the send off he deserves. His family was his whole life.
"Let's help his family and make him proud. Anything donated will help towards funeral costs and help Poppy and Carter. Thankyou."
To support the fundraising campaign, click here
Paying tribute, Mr Valentine's girlfriend, Poppy Vernon, mum of the couple's three-year-old son Carter, told the Globe earlier this week: "We knew each other for years, but finally reconnected in 2019. We always said it felt like we knew each other forever.
"He only wanted the best for me from the very beginning. Then we had Carter and you could tell he was so excited to be a dad he would research everything to make sure it’s safe what foods I should eat while pregnant.
Miss Vernon continued: "He took care of us before himself. I will be forever grateful of how much of an amazing dad he was.
"He just wanted to do life the right way and make money for our little boy Carter. He made everything better. He was a 'family man' is what everyone would say and a true gentlemen.
"I will fight for justice for Brandon"
Mr Valentine's brother Damien said: "When people talk about their siblings growing up, you hear of them at each others throats, fighting and teasing each other but for whatever reason we had none of that - we got along great.
"I don't think we a had a single argument. You would ask for the same presents as me for Christmas and sit in my room with me all time. My memories of you as a teenager were of you always out on your bike or scooter with your mates.
"You were a great uncle to Rose and Alfie and I couldn't be more proud of how you turned your life around when you became a dad. I know mum and dad would have felt the same. I thought we'd always be there for each other; it'll never be the same without you. I can't believe you're gone. Love you forever, bro."
Mr Valentine's grandmother Hazel Woodward said: "My lovely kind caring grandson thought the world of Poppy and his little boy Carter, they were his life.
"We are all so proud to have had him in our lives and broken-hearted at his loss.
"We will miss him so much, our lives won't be the same without him. Goodnight God Bless Bran, we love you."
An investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident continues.
A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving. He has been released under investigation.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, Lead Investigating Officer for the MATRIX Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We are continuing to investigate the collision and the events leading up to it. I urge anyone who witnessed or has information on this incident which will assist the investigation to please contact us.
“Every piece information or footage could be vital in establishing what happened and provide his family with answers."
Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact SCIU on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk quoting reference 24000917960. Alternatively DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,
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