GENEROUS Examiner readers have rallied round to help a young mum left alone after the tragic death of her fiancé.
But far more needs to be done to help 20-year-old Melanie Stevens in the tough times ahead.
Her fiancé, devoted dad Mark Pemberthy, 22, suddenly collapsed and died at work, leaving Mel, their two daughters and baby.
They are four-year-old Holly, two-year-old Heather and eight-month-old Mark, named after his dad.
They live at Thornhill Edge, but Mel's mum and family live in Heckmondwike. Now she needs to move back there for the much-needed family support.
The Examiner highlighted the young family's desperate plight a few days ago and readers have responded.
Mark was a tyre fitter working for Ravensthorpe-based Link Tyre Sales and was changing a burst tyre on a lorry on the M62 on Thursday, April 26, when he died suddenly from a heart condition.
A trust fund has been set up for Mel and the children by Mark's workmates.
Rachael Smith from the company said: "The response has really overwhelmed everyone here. There have been groups and associations that have decided to donate some of their fundraising to the fund and people who have taken it upon themselves to hold collections or fundraising events.
"I can't thank everyone enough. Obviously I don't at this stage want to start naming groups or individuals for fear of leaving some one out, but I can say that we have been moved to tears on a daily basis by the sheer generosity of people."
She added: "Our customers and suppliers have been superb. I believe quite a few are holding collections because Mark was such a brilliant individual and everyone seems to want to help and rally round."
One anonymous donor has sent in a cheque for £200 and the Trust fund is now approaching £1,500.
Many firms connected with Link Tyre Sales have collection tins.
Mel said: "I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who is helping me. Life's hard enough at the moment without all the financial worry and the support I've had is easing the burden.
"I just want to give the children as best a start in life as I can even though they've lost their dad."
Events are already being lined up.
There will be an auction, raffle and disco at Kirkheaton Cricket and Bowling Club on June 9. Tickets are £5, the event at the club starts at 8pm and will include a sop supper.
Tyre Link sales representative Richard Midgley is to do a 70-mile bike ride from Wetherby to Filey on June 16 with all his sponsorship cash earmarked for the fund.
On July 17 there will be an evening of clairvoyance at Quarmby Spiritualist Church with all proceeds from the night going to the fund.
It's a case of pay on the door at the church at 7.30pm which will feature well-known Colne Valley spiritualist Una Pearce and colleague Sandra Lee.
Sandra said: "It was so upsetting to read about the family and both Una and I immediately decided to hold a fundraising event."
Mark and Mel were due to marry this summer.
Mark had a leaking heart valve and a weak heart muscle so life insurance would have been exceptionally expensive if he could have got any at all.
Because he died from natural causes, not an accident, his employer's insurance does not come into play.
Link Tyre Sales managing director Len Mellor said: "Mark was like a son to me. He was a wonderful dad and thought the world of his children. He was so proud of them all."
"We thought he would be a future manager for us. If a job needed to be done it was done. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he'd always be helping others."
* Clubs, pubs, business and individuals wanting to help can contact Rachael Smith at Link Tyre Sales on 01924 497772 or email rachael linktyres.co.uk
