Fundraiser for dean
‘It will never be the same without him’
Friends of a young Uddingston man killed while on holiday in Germany have raised almost £6000 to help bring his body home.
Celtic fan Dean Steele (22) was on a break with two friends when he was hit by a car in Schleswig-holstein on Sunday. A Justgiving page was set up to raise the money.
Friends of a young Uddingston man who was tragically killed at the weekend while on holiday in Germany have raised almost £6000 in a bid to help bring his body home.
Dean Steele (22), was on holiday with two friends when he was hit by a car near the town of Gudwig in Schleswig-holstein on Sunday and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Celtic fan made the trip to Germany last week with two of his pals to watch Bundesliga 2 side St Pauli.
It is understood Dean was crossing an autobahn to catch a bus when the accident happened.
The news of Dean’s death has shocked and upset his friends, who took to social media to pay their respects to the young man who was nicknamed ‘Banjo’.
Devastated friend Joseph Cheney set up a Justgiving page which had this week raised £5800 to help bring Dean’s body home.
Joseph said: “I set up this page to hopefully help bring him home and give him the best send-off possible.
“I’ve always known Dean from high school but became close friends five years ago through another friend.
“Every time we went out to the pub, it was always the same boys who went out together.
“You couldn’t meet a nicer person than him, he wouldn’t harm a fly. He was so kind and always up for a laugh.
“When I heard the news I ran upstairs crying and phoned another mate. He didn’t believe what I was saying.
“We had so many great nights out with him and all the rest of the boys. It’ll never be the same without him.
“I’m just trying to get this page out there for everyone to donate. Nearly £5000 was raised in just over a day.
“I would like to thank everyone who has donated to it, I can’t thank everyone enough.”
Dean’s dad Harry posted on his son’s Facebook, saying: “I love you Banjo with all my heart and soul. You were my son and best friend and I’m going to miss our banter and carry-on and you being with me, son.
“The angels will have to be on their toes now you’re among them, son. Until we meet and hug again. Love you boss.”
Dean, a former Uddingston Grammar pupil, was a regular in the town’s The Laughing Buddha restaurant.
Staff there also paid tribute to him on their Facebook page.
Their post said: “It is with a heavy heart that we are informing you all that one of our regulars, Dean Steele, has passed away in tragic circumstances.
“For those of you that don’t already know, Dean was involved in an accident in Germany.
“We are hoping all of our staff and customers can come together at this terrible time to help his family get Dean home.
“There will be a collection in the bar for anyone wishing to contribute to the cost of getting him home for the send-off he deserves.
“Everyone here at Laughing Buddha is absolutely devastated at this news and are thinking of Dean’s family at this sad time.
“RIP Dean, you will be sorely missed.”
Uddingston Grammar also tweeted: “All of our thoughts and prayers are with Dean’s family at this time. Sleep peacefully.”
You can make a donation to Dean’s page at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/joseph-cheney.