Thousands raised for footballer's funeral

Friends and teammates of a young footballer killed in a crash on the A299 in Kent have come together to raise thousands for his funeral.

Marshall Spelzini died after a lorry in which he was travelling hit a road sweeping vehicle, which had broken down on the London-bound carriageway moments before.

The 21-year-old from Deal, who played for Cinque Ports FC, suffered traumatic head injuries in the crash on 25 February, according to an inquest which opened earlier this week.

The £13k target set to cover the popular player's funeral costs has nearly been reached by a GoFundMe appeal launched at the start of March.

In a tribute to Mr Spelzini, his family spoke of the "unimaginable pain" of losing "a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle and boyfriend, as well as a friend of many within our community".

They added that his "massive personality and love touched so many lives" and that they "want to give Marshall the farewell he deserves".

Describing the "overwhelming financial burden" of the funeral expenses they said they were "reaching out for support during this unexpected heartbreaking time".

Mr Spelzini's former team Dover Rangers FC also paid tribute to him.

Posting on social media that they are "a squad full of heavy broken hearts" they called him "a well liked and respected member of our team" whose "infectious smile and cheeky personality will certainly be missed by all".

Cinque Ports FC, the boyhood club to which Mr Spelzini had most recently returned, said he had been "a vital member of our club and community".

"Marshall was loved by all that knew him and he will truly be missed," they added.

Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating the crash, which involved a white Fiat Ducato lorry and a stationary Iveco Daily road sweeper and are appealing to anyone with information to get in touch.

A man in his 60s, who had been driving the road sweeper, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

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