A GoFundMe page set up in the aftermath of the tragic death of a 19-year-old Stevenage FC fan in Hitchin has already reached its initial fundraising target thanks to a community's generosity.

Ollie Gatfield died in a fatal crash in Hitchin on Saturday evening that left his friend Liam Sharpe fighting for his life.

Mr Gatfield and Mr Sharpe - both staunch Stevenage fans - were returning from the club's League One match at Shrewsbury at the weekend, when the car they were in left the road and collided with a tree on the A602 Park Way, near the junction with Charlton Road in Hitchin, shortly before 840pm.

Moved by the tragedy, kind-hearted friend James Bedford decided to act by setting up a GoFundMe page.

Mr Bedford wrote from the heart that the day of the accident, Saturday, January 13 was a day that changed many people's lives.

"Our great friend Oliver John Gatfield sadly lost his life in a tragic accident," said Mr Bedford.

"He was immensely loved by everyone around him - and had an impact on so many people's lives.

"When he walled into a room there wouldn't be one person without a smile on their face.

"His best friend Liam Sharpe was also in the accident and is in hospital fighting for his life, with Ollie looking over him.

"We're all praying for him, and hoping he makes a speedy recovery.

"We wanted to kindly ask you to donate anything possible in order to help fund Ollie's funeral, and any rehab Liam will need in order to recover from the accident."

The original total was set at £5,000 when the page was set up on Monday (January 15).

However, at the time of writing, a mere 17 hours after the fundraising appeal was launched, generous Stevenage FC fans, and the wider community, have already exceeded the total.

The amount currently stands at more than £7,000 after nearly 400 people - and counting - kindly donated.

The figure is set to rise even further through further donations from well-wishers near and far.

The youngsters - both staunch Stevenage fans - supported the club week in week out from the East Terrace at Broadhall Way.

As a sign of respect, and as a tribute to Ollie's life, the club are asking both Stevenage and Barnsley supporters to join in with a minute's applause before Saturday's game at Broadhall Way.

A shocked community has paid tribute to the pair, by placing an ever-growing number of flowers, cards and heartfelt messages at the scene in the victims' honour at the site of the accident in Hitchin. A Stevenage shirt and an ensign flag were also laid.

If you would like to donate to the fund click here

In happier times. PICTURE CREDIT: https://www.gofundme.com/f/og-x-ls