FRIENDS of a man who died when a crane collapsed on a building site have raised thousands to help support his three young children.

David Newall, 36, who grew up and lived in the Allerton area of Bradford, was killed in the accident at the site in Dunwoody Way, Crewe, on Wednesday, June 21, alongside 18 year-old Rhys Barker, of Castleford.

A third man, aged 45, of Glossop, Derbyshire, was also injured in the incident.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said he remained in hospital last night.

Post-mortem examinations found that both men had been crushed to death, and an investigation into the tragedy is being carried out in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the local authority, and police.

The construction firm Seddon, and John Sutch Cranes, which were both operating on the site, issued statements last week saying they would comply fully with the HSE investigation.

Mr Newall had three children, two daughters and a son, said his brother-in-law David Wood.

He said one of Mr Newall’s work colleagues, Callum France, had set up a crowdfunding appeal with the aim of raising £750 for a memorial bench and plaque in honour of him and Mr Barker.

After one of Mr Newall’s former employers, HTC Wolffkran, agreed to help pay for the bench, it was decided that the money would be donated to his family, giving his children the chance to fulfil one of his dreams of them going to Disneyland, said Mr France.

On the Just Giving page, Mr France described Mr Newall as a “one-off” and a “true legend”.

He wrote: “I’m sure many of you knew Dave, were touched by how down to earth he was and how he knew that life was for living.

“He was a great worker and a great person to be around, never failing to make you laugh or smile even when the going got tough at work.

"He would always say ‘I’m not bothered as long as I’ve got enough money for my kids and a beer on a night, that’ll do me.’

“RIP Dave, gone but never forgotten.”

Mr Wood said: “The aim was to raise £750 for a bench and plaque in memory of Dave but one of his former employers has now offered to fund that so all the proceeds are going to his children.

“The response to the page has been fantastic and currently stands at £3,300 which is unbelievable and greatly appreciated by his family. They are looking to ensure his children complete one of Dave’s dreams in taking them to Disneyland.”

As of last night, the total raised was £3,325, more than 400 per cent above the appeal’s original target figure.

For details, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/callum-france.