A HEARTBROKEN community has united to help the families of two Runcorn dads who grew up together and died two weeks apart.

Their lifelong friends have set up a trust fund for their children and have already raised more than £1,000.

Dad-of-three Peter Robinson, aged 30, from Poplar Close died following a motorbike crash on the A562 Dan’s Road in Widnes on August 5.

He was preparing to marry his fiance, Hannah, aged 24, and celebrate their wedding with their son, William, aged four, and daughters, Madison, aged two and nine-month-old Heidi.

Peter’s close friend, Lee Crowe, aged 32, from Downs Road, took his own life two days before Peter’s funeral. He has a seven-year-old daughter, Keira.

Their mates are organising a memorial football match and family fun day at 1pm on Saturday, October 4 at The Boys Club, followed by a charity night at The Red Admiral, both in Boston Avenue.

Peter’s fiance, Hannah Robinson, who changed her name by deed poll after he died, said: “This has brought everyone together.

“Peter was the main wage earner. I’ve now got to think about university funds, cars, everything he would have provided.”

Peter, a thermo insulation engineer, was working on a shutdown at Fiddlers Ferry and heading home when the accident happened.

Hannah said: “He had a smile that lit up a room. He was friends with everyone.

“He didn’t have a dislikeable bone in his body. It was amazing to see the amount of people at his funeral.

“He loved fishing and loved his bike. He enjoyed life.

“We don’t stop talking about him. I’ve got a memory box for the children with pictures of him. I want his memory to live on.”

Lee’s uncle, James Quigley, who has a bakery in Grangeway, said both families have been overwhelmed by the generosity from the community.

James, aged 43, of Picton Avenue, said: “A little old lady came in with a bag of groceries for the tombola. We’ve had hundreds of gifts donated.

“People can’t afford it but they want to do t heir bit.

“These two lads had the same circle of friends. We have received wonderful raffle prizes from businesses.”

Lee served with the Welsh Guards in Iraq in 2004 and worked as a plasterer after leaving the army.

James said: “Lee was always a grafter. He ran loads of marathons including the Santa Dash for Halton Haven. He was very popular and very confident.

“He could entertain everyone.

“Having all this support from people has really helped us through our grief.

“We want to put money into trust funds for the kids when they are older.”

Gates open at the charity football match at 12 noon.