A fundraiser has been set up to support the daughters of the man tragically killed in the collision at Boars Head in October.
Michael Davies, 47, a father of twin daughters, was killed in the incident on Eridge Road on 17 October. Floral tributes have been laid at the roadside ever since.
The GoFundMe campaign has been set up by one of his best friends to support Michael’s daughters, Danni and Sophia, who the family said were “his life and entire universe from the moment they were born.”
It is being led by Barry West. He said: “Michael (Mikey) has had our backs for years — now we’ve got his.” The money will help the girls with their futures, “through their driving lessons and getting them on the road… and throughout their lives like their dad, Mikey, would have.” He added.
Barry, speaking on behalf of the Westys Warriors — the challenge team Michael was central to — said Mikey was “the backbone of our team,” a born leader who threw himself into adventures from Ashdown Forest training to the Three Peaks. They now plan future challenges in his memory, with “every single penny going to his girls.”
Westys Warriors was set up by Barry who, at the age of 19, was involved in a car accident which would change his life forever, it has left him unable to use his arms and legs. Barry and his team of “warriors” take part in some extreme challenges to raise money and awareness for BACK-UP a charity that works tirelessly to support people living with a spinal cord injury.
On the fundraising GoFundMe page, Michael’s parents Kenny and Christine paid tribute to their son and speak of the huge impact his loss has had on the family. “Having their dad taken from them in such a horrific way has devastated and totally stunned them.
“Michael had more than enough love in his heart to comfort family and friends alike. He was so so proud to walk Shannon down the aisle, handing her over to Ant at their recent wedding, and he took great delight in being a grandad to Tommy and Mia.
“Our beautiful man had such fond memories of the girls’ brother Tom, along with love for Tom and Tom ‘s partner Robyn, their gorgeous children Oliver Willow Fawn and Harrison. Happiness is such a precious thing, such a huge part of our son’s life and happiness was in no small part to Sonia who gave Michael two of the most beautiful girls.”
Appealing for support, Christine and Kenny said they would, of course, support the girls throughout their lives. “Their dad, our Michael, was always willing to help his friends and people he hardly knew.
“If you feel able and if Michael has touched your lives in some way, we would humbly ask you to make a financial contribution to help secure their futures. It would be an immense thank you from Michael and a very grateful thank you from us.”
To support Michael’s girls visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-support-michaels-girls
Police have appealed for information following the collision. Michael was a pedestrian and the collision involved a grey MG4. The driver of that vehicle, a 35-year-old man from Tunbridge Wells, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail while police enquiries continue. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has dashcam footage that could assist enquiries, to make a report. Reports can be made by emailing collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting Operation Camberwell.