A Hermes delivery driver and dad-of-four has died after being diagnosed with coronavirus.
Kevin Davies, who was in his late fifties, died on Wednesday morning leaving behind his partner Claire Bullock, 46, and children Emily and Fin and stepchildren Rhys and Drew.
The football-mad dad, who lived in Stoke-on-Trent, was described as a "family man" and "such a lovely guy".
His family now face an "awful, upsetting time but also an uncertain one" as self-employed hairdresser Claire comes to terms with feeding four mouths and herself during the coronavirus lockdown.
Gemma Crank, who is Claire's cousin, has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family.
Gemma wrote: "As many of you will be aware Kevin Davies passed away this morning in hospital after losing his fight against the awful virus that is causing so much heartache in our communities.
"My cousin Claire and their children now face a not only awful, upsetting time but also an uncertain one with the financial implications that come with this.
"I want to make it clear that Claire has not asked for this and would never do so. But I know that as a hairdresser she is self employed and will be in a position that many in the country are with paying bills."
She added that she set up the GoFundMe page to "to help the family through this horrible time."
Kind-hearted Brits have rushed to the page to help out the family and almost £7,000 has been raised in less than 24 hours.
And people have been leaving tributes to "Kev", with one describing him as a "great lad" who loved to play football while others said he was "such a lovely man".
Another wrote: "Fantastic human being I will miss our banter of Stoke and Vale."
Colleagues have donated to the cause and expressed their condolences.
A colleague wrote: "Kev you will be sadly missed the depo will never be the same."
And another colleague wrote: "RIP KEV your going be missed by many.xx as you said every morning in the depo GO ON STOKE."
While another wrote that work "just won’t be the same without my wee buddy."
Another colleague wrote: "Go on Stoke Kevs favorite words in the depot Always smiling Going be sadly missed Absolutely gutted RIP the Bolton legend xxxxxxxxxxxxx."
People have been invited to also "clap for Kev" this evening, to celebrate his life and the NHS heroes who worked tirelessly to try to save his life as the nation applauds together at 8pm.
Today, Gemma added: "It is amazing how much has been raised in the last 24 hours and it shows how much Kev and his family were liked and loved.
"The money will go a long way in removing the stress of how Claire is going to pay for everything at this horrible time, which allows her to concentrate on herself and the children.
"Massive thank you again as I know many of you may be in the same position at the minute. Stoke is a city to be proud of.
"Claire and the family will be so grateful for all your support at this awful time."
She added️: "Please join us in also clapping for kev this evening when we are all clapping for the NHS to celebrate his life and those important people who worked hard to try and save him!"
