More than £14,000 has been raised in memory of Josh Bruton, a Birmingham father described as a 'gentle giant' who tragically lost his life in a crash on the M5.
The 30-year-old, who grew up in the West Heath and Northfield areas of the city, died in a collision on Wednesday, May 6. Emergency services were called at around 12:20pm following reports that a van had collided with a Volkswagen Transporter and left the northbound carriageway near junction 9 for Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire.
Josh was pronounced dead at the scene. A fundraising campaign was launched with an initial target of £8,000, but by the morning of Wednesday, May 13, donations had already reached £14,100. With over 470 contributions, the new goal has been set at £18,000 to provide further support to his partner Chloe and their two-year-old son Caden.
Organiser Tilly Steer wrote on GoFundMe: "We are raising funds to help support Chloe and Caden through the difficult months ahead, helping with funeral costs, easing financial pressures, and giving them some stability while they try to navigate this unimaginable loss. Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to our family. And if you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page and keeping Chloe, Caden, and our family in your thoughts."
She added: "In honour of Josh, hold your loved ones a little tighter, say the things you mean, and live life to the fullest. Wednesday this week, Josh woke up not knowing it would be the last time. He kissed his partner, Chloe, and his little boy, Caden, goodbye and told them he’d see them after work – a moment no one ever imagines will be their last."
Gloucestershire Police have appealed for witnesses to the collision, anyone who saw either vehicle beforehand, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to contact them. Information can be submitted online quoting incident 227 of May 6.
