£17,500 raised in days for Doncaster dad, 36, who died from brain haemorrhage

Ash Prenderghast, 36, died at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital earlier this month, leaving behind partner Rachel, step daughter Olivia, 13 and 14-month-old son George.

His sister Hollie set up a Just Giving page with the aim of raising £500 to help his family – but the page has been swamped with donations and has raised nearly £17,500 in just ten days.

She said: “The fundraiser was set up as a financial help to Rachel and their children.

“The response has been phenomenal and a real testament to the man Ash was.

“He would do anything for anyone and the wonderful messages and donations have proved that.

“We set the goal at £500 and very quickly reached that.

“The amount has now totalled over £17,000 with donations coming from far and wide. Any help that we can give to Rachel at this tragic time is greatly appreciated.”

Ash, who lived in Dunsville, died on April 3 from a sudden haemorrhage.

Originally from Edenthorpe where he had lived with his parents Maureen and Alan, sister Hollie and brother Kerris, he previously worked as a sports teacher at Doncaster Deaf College but had recently begun working for a block paving company.

Added Hollie: “Ash was full of life.

“He loved an adventure outdoors. He loved football, a keen Sheffield Wednesday fan.

“He was a family man and was loving being a father. He was fun, kind and generous, his passing is a tragic loss to all who knew him.”

She added: “We have recently received a gift from the organ donation and transplantation team - 15 gold heart brooches, each one representing an organ donated by Ash following his death. We are extremely proud to know that he has helped so many others in such a special way.”

“As a family we would like to express our thanks for everyone’s kind words and support at this sad time. Following current government guidelines we cannot disclose the funeral arrangements, the service will be private, being attended only by a small number of people. The service will however be filmed and we can distribute this accordingly afterwards.

Messages for Ash can be left at www.funeralguide.co.uk while donations can be made at the JustGiving page HERE