A FUNDRAISER has been set up to support the children of much-loved Bradford man Matthew Keenan, who died from Covid-19 earlier this week aged just 34.

Mr Keenan, from Bierley, was taken ill with Covid-19 earlier this month and was hospitalised and sadly was unable to recover from the virus.

His story was publicised by Bradford Royal Infirmary Dr Leanne Cheyne on Twitter; she said he had been sceptical of Covid-19 and was unvaccinated, and if he could have turned back time he would have.

Now, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Mr Keenan’s three children who have tragically had their father taken away from them; and the £1,000 target has been smashed by supporters since it went online yesterday with more than £1,700 raised already.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Keenan by hundreds of people across Bradford, including local musicians Bad Boy Chiller Crew, rugby league star John Bateman, and many other organisations and groups in the city.

The fundraiser has been set up by Alexandra Williams, who said: “Sadly as everyone knows, Matthew Keenen passed away on July 25 following a short battle with Covid, leaving behind his three young children, Ashlee, Bobby & Terri Lee.

“Matthew was an amazing dad and his children absolutely doted on him. We are trying to raise funds for his children to support them financially and to help buy all of the things that Matthew would have provided.

“Hopefully [we can] send them on a holiday to remember in memory of their dad, buy a dog that he had promised them that they can bond with, and pay for hobbies like horse riding, boxing etc, the things that he would have been there to do with his babies.

“Matthew was a very popular, well-loved man and will be very missed.”

Hundreds of messages have been posted in a book of condolence set up for Mr Keenan.

Lance Cunningham said: “R.I.P Keenan; big man, big heart, big personality, you will be missed forever by everyone who every knew you mate, rest easy big man.”

Tracy Thompson added: “Matthew, the nicest man you’d ever meet. Everyone is devastated and heartbroken, you were so loved by everyone, RIP. Bierley won’t be the same without your cheeky smile.”

Maureen Lowther said: “Thinking of all your family at this sad time. You always had a smile on your face always had time to speak what a legend gone but never forgotten.”