The friends of Reis Farley-Hearn have joined forces to raise thousands of pounds in his memory.

More than 100 people have made donations on a Justgiving page set up to raise cash for his grieving family.

Work colleague Michael Thomas set up the page last week with the aim of raising £1,000 for Mr Farley-Hearn’s loved ones and to help with funeral costs.

But that target has been smashed thanks to the generosity of the public, who have so people so far donated a combined total of £7,500.

Mr Thomas paid his own tribute on the Justgiving page, where he wrote: “Reis was taken from us all far too early.

“Anyone who knew Reis couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by his smiling bubbly and incredibly generous nature. Reis had a fantastic sense of humour and for us, his work colleagues, gave out and took so much banter.

“He was the life and soul and was in his prime.

“I am sure we all will remember these times we had with him.

“Reis will be known to so many people because of all the above but also because of his football talent.

“He was a prolific goal scorer and with the limited research we have was loved by his team mates and opposition.

“He was a very talented young man.

“We would really like to get this page circulated to as many as possible to support Reis’s loved ones with the very difficult time ahead, especially at this time of the year.

“Reis we all loved you and you will be missed by so many people.”

Those making donations have also left there own tributes, with one calling Mr Farley-Hearn an “absolute legend” and another adding he was the “happiest person around”.

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michael-thomas-3.