More than £30,000 has been raised for the family of an "amazing" paramedic who died on New Year's Day.
Benjamin Lightburn, 31, was killed in the two-car crash on Mossborough Road in Rainford on Sunday, January 1. Emergency services rushed to the crash, at around 10am, but the paramedic, who was off duty at the time, died.
The driver and passenger in the other car both suffered serious injuries. Ben's family previously paid tribute to the "devoted and loving husband".
READ MORE: Man, 22 made £10k selling laughing gas cannisters outside pub
They said: "No words can describe how devastated we are at the sudden loss of our wonderful Ben. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and son and he will be missed more than anyone can imagine.
"We want to thank everyone for their support and kind words, especially family, friends and Ben's NWAS friends and colleagues, who have been so amazing. He was just perfect and has left a hole in our lives that will never be filled."
A fundraising page was launched by Ben's colleagues to help his family. In just a matter of days, the page surpassed its £1,000 target and it has so far raised more than £30,000.
Marc Dobson, who created the fundraising page, said: "Ben was a well loved, popular and brilliant paramedic who was tragically killed on his way to work on New Year’s Day. He was a committed family man who left behind a wife and two children and this page was kindly set up by his colleagues who wish to support his family at this sad time"
Tributes and messages of support to the family have come pouring in. ECHO reader Ruth Strong said: "Rest in peace, God bless you Ben and thank you for your service, my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time."
Sharon Stanton wrote: "Heartbreaking thinking of poor family the world has lost another amazing person", as Eileen Mills said: "Omg this just makes me cry so heartbreaking."
Pauline Connor added: "So sad, God bless him good man RIP. Deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Merseyside Police launched an investigation following the crash involving a Renault Scenic and Nissan Almera. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747 or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk quoting reference 23000005048.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper from the Merseyside Police Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Lightburn as we continue to support them through specially trained Family Liaison Officers whilst we continue to investigate the circumstances of this collision.
"The male driver and female passenger in the other vehicle involved in this collision sustained serious injuries but are recovering well. The driver is being treated as a witness and has assisted the investigation throughout.
“I would appeal to anyone who has dash camera CCTV fitted in their vehicle that may been travelling on Mossborough Road or Blindfoot Road at between 9:50am and 10am on New Year’s Day to make contact with the investigation team as you may have inadvertently captured the lead up to this incident. Our Officers can recover CCTV in person or remotely to check if it has captured any footage that may assist the investigation of this collision.”
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Read next:
Woman sobs 'I love you' to her family as she's jailed for six years
Man, 22 made £10k selling laughing gas cannisters outside pub
Woman 'ambushed and battered' by three former friends in her own home
What is a 'dodgy box' amid police crackdown on illegal streaming?
Family 'didn't recognise' innocent schoolgirl after she was shot in street
