Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘Support we’ve had is so unbelievable’
THE family of a man who died in a crash on the A90 have spoken of the “unbelievable” support they have received since his death.
Chris Gallacher, 25, died when he crashed into a parked Asda lorry in a layby on the road north of Dundee on the morning of February 1.
Since then, his family have been inundated with messages of support and floral tributes.
Chris’s dad Bob said: “It has been unbelievable. I’ve not got any words to say about it because it’s just so unbelievable. It just goes to show how popular he was.”
Friends and colleagues have been organising f undraising efforts to support Chris’s fiancee Nikki McLean, 30, and her son Nathan, 7, as well as his parents Bob and Christine and sister Nicola.
Family friend Natasha Smart organised an online crowdfunder aiming to raise £500 for Nikki and Nathan.
However, the appeal raised more than £9,000 in a matter of days from over 170 well-wishers.
Among those to have made a donation to the appeal is motoring business owner Peter Vardy, for whom Chrisy, as he was often known, worked at the Land Rover Service Centre i n Aberdeen as a mechanic.
Mr Vardy, who personally donated £5,000, said: “At this deeply sad time I want to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
“Chris was a great friend to many, an incredibly hard worker and he will be sorely missed.”
Plans are also being made to erect a plaque to Chris’s memory in Aberdeen.
Together with fiance Liam Markie, Natasha has also organised a memorial night for Chris on March 17, which has already raised at least £1,000 through ticket sales alone.
Chris played in Morgan FP Amateur Football Club’s second team, and the club is running a “last man standing” competition starting on Saturday.
Proceeds will be given to Chris’s family.
John Cairney, captain of the club, told the Tele: “We’re doing anything we can to try to support his family.
“We’ll also be organising a game against the Tech team Chris played for before joining Morgan.
“His old friends will be taking part, playing against us as a one-off.
“Chris only joined us at the start of the season but he was just a likeable guy, always having a laugh and enjoying banter.
“He would always help with fundraising for the club and we want to give something back for everything he’s done for us.”
The family are still finalising funeral arrangements for Chris and will make an announcement in the coming days.