Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of a popular County Durham dad following his death.

Aaron Morris, 31, died following a collision on Friday. He was riding his motorbike when he was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Crossland in Esh Winning.

In a touching tribute, his wife Samantha described him as a “true family man”.

He was a treasured husband, son, father and brother, she said.

Read more: Wife pays heartbreaking tribute to husband killed in County Durham crash

More than £2,000 was raised in less that 24 hours in his memory.

GoFundMe organiser Shona Wilson described him as a “funny, popular and caring lad.”

She added: “If you could please spare the cost of a pint to toast to him or whatever you can, to go towards the send-off he deserves it would be appreciated more than you could know.”

In a statement released yesterday, Samantha said: "Aaron was a true family man and treasured by all those who knew and loved him.

“He was a much-loved husband, son, father and brother, and will be sadly missed by us all.

“We wish to thank everyone for their support, and ask now to be left in peace so that we can grieve together.”

The Northern Echo: Samantha and Aaron Morris, who was killed in a crash in Esh Winning on Friday Samantha and Aaron Morris, who was killed in a crash in Esh Winning on Friday

The collision happened in Priestburn Close, Esh Winning just after 12.30pm on Friday, July 1.

Aaron was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham but died several hours later, Durham Police said yesterday.

Collison investigators would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have any dashcam footage relating to the collision.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Durham Police on 101, quoting incident number 160 of July 1.

To donate to the Go Fund Me page visit www.gofundme.com/f/rip-aaron-morris

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