Shane Walsh: Appeal for family nears £15,000 after Shrewsbury river tragedy
An appeal to raise £15,000 for the family of a man who was found dead in the River Severn earlier this month has almost hit its target.
Mick Hills, step father of Shane Walsh, launched the crowdfunding appeal just days after the 29-year-old's body was found in the river in Shrewsbury on September 3.
Now, thanks to the generosity of members of the public, businesses and schools, it is just £300 off its target.
The appeal was started to raise money for the father-of-two's young family as Shane, who was a self-employed contractor, died without life insurance or savings and was the family's main breadwinner.
His widow, Kirsty had given up work as a nursery nurse to care for their two small children, Corey aged three and Adalynn, who turned one earlier this week and who now face an uncertain future.
Shane went missing after spending a night out with a friend in Shrewsbury town centre three weeks ago.
He had spent the early part of the evening at a family party in Church Stretton before meeting with his friend and visiting a number of pubs and clubs. They had then gone their separate ways in the early hours of the morning.
Shane was due to spend the night at his parent's home in the town but failed to arrive and a search was launched to find him. Four days later his body was found in the water close to Frankwell Quay.
An inquest in to his death has been opened and adjourned by Shropshire's coroner. His funeral was held at Shrewsbury Abbey on Thursday and was attended by dozens of friends and family.
Almost 300 people, some of whom did not know Shane but who followed the search, have donated to the appeal.
Mick said: "We have been totally overwhelmed by the generosity of people, many of whom didn't know Shane but who were moved to do something. I can not thank people enough for what they have done.
"All money raised will go to help Kirsty, Corey and Adalynn to stay on their feet.
"It is hoped if we raise enough money some can be put into a trust for the children so they can remember how much their Daddy meant to people and bring some meaning to this tragic loss."
Earlier this week, staff at B&Q on Featherbed Lane rallied around the family, holding a fundraising Shropshire Rock painting session at the store.
Children could visit the shop and paint a rock in exchange for a £1 donation.
To donate to the appeal go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mick-hills
