FRIENDS, family and colleagues of motorcyclist Michael Mahon have raised more than £3,000 for his partner and their unborn daughter.

Michael, known as Mikkie, was killed in an accident while riding in the Forest of Dean on September 28. He was 28.

He had been riding with an organised group heading to Monmouthshire when, at around 10.30am, he collided with a grey Fiat travelling in the opposite direction.

Despite the best efforts of ambulance crews, he died at the scene, in a layby between Cinderford and Brierley.

Earlier this week, Chris Waldron, Darren Neal and Paul Dobb, who have been Mikkie’s friends and colleagues over the last eight years at Blade Group where Mikkie ran the Trade Centre, set up an online fundraising page.

The idea behind it was to raise £1,000 for Mikkie’s girlfriend Charlotte, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child, so she can give their daughter the best possible start in life.

However, in just three days, around 90 people have donated more than £3,000.

In a joint statement on the fundraising page, the three friends said: “Mikkie was a good friend and colleague for over eight years.

“He was a really great bloke who would do anything for anyone and will be missed massively by all who knew him.

“He was really looking forward to becoming a dad for the first time. We want to provide a little something to give his daughter the best start possible, under the circumstances.”

Mikkie’s brother, Matt, said the family were overwhelmed by the reaction. He said: “We’re blown away by it all. Words just can’t describe the response we have had, from everyone. Mikkie would be so proud of you all.”

Hundreds of people are expected to attend Mikkie’s funeral, which takes place today at 3pm, at Kingsdown Crematorium. Family flowers only, but the Mahon family have asked that any donations in Mikkie’s memory are made for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Service.

Anyone wishing to make a donation, can visit https://www.justgiving.com/yimby/mikkie#/