A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to help the family of a young Crewe man who died in a collision with a van.

Joshua Spender, 23, was crossing a pedestrian crossing in Macon Way last Friday (November 5) night when a white van collided with him.

Cheshire Police have since arrested a 29-year-old man from Market Drayton on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, driving without insurance and obstructing a police constable.

He remains in custody and is being questioned over the collision, which took place at around 5.20pm.

Over the last 24 hours donations have flooded into a gofundme page set up to raise money for Joshua's family by Kayleigh Gater, who worked with Joshua at Leighton Hospital, and Lucy Langham.

After the duo set an initial target of £1,000, already the total pledged by people is around £4,500.

Those making contributions have highlighted Joshua's caring and positive outlook on life.

The head coach of the American football team he played for, Jason Smith, said: "A lovely guy who put a lot of effort into whatever he did. He will be missed by all who knew him and all at Crewe Railroaders."

Another making a donation to the fundraising appeal stated: "Heart-breaking to hear about this I will remember josh as a cheeky ,funny, lovely lad who grew up playing with my three sons on our estate."

Another said: "You truly didn't deserve this. You were one of the most positive people I've ever met. The world would be a better place if everyone was a bit more like you Josh."

Crewe Alex fan Joshua was a trainee accountant, who was studying at Cheshire College campus after previously working at Leighton.

The fundraising page set up by Kayleigh and Lucy can be found here.