PAL’S APPEAL TO HELP FAMILY OF MATTY:
‘No family should have to think about burying their son’
FRIENDS have started a £2,000 online appeal to raise funds towards the funeral of a 23-year-old man whose death has sparked a murder investigation.
They want to help Matthew Dale’s family with the cost of arranging their loved-one’s funeral. It has been started by Ben Cope a friend of Mr Dale’s older brother, Mark.
The 27-year-old, from Blurton, said: “I’ve known the family all my life. I would have been around five when I first saw Matthew and he was only a baby. Growing up I would see him every day. As we got older I didn’t see him quite as much but I still used to see him whenever I went around to see Mark.
“Matthew was an outgoing and bubbly lad, but at the same time he was quiet as well.
“He was a very caring and warm-hearted lad and would do absolutely anything for anybody. He was a really nice and sweet lad who will be missed by a lot of people.”
Mr Dale, of Dresden, below, died on his way to the Royal Stoke University Hospital early on Monday. Paramedics had been called to Lightwood Road, in Longton.
Mr Cope added: “Mark messaged me on Monday morning and told me, I was shell-shocked. I had this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was horrified and couldn’t believe it. It’s still sinking in now. The family are a little bit better than when they first found out but they still aren’t great. They are struggling at the moment. “Mark and Matthew were very close. He is trying to keep himself busy and keep his mind occupied because he is struggling. It’s not the best time but everybody is pulling together and getting through it which is the main thing.”
A football tournament has also been organised in Mr Dale’s memory. It will take place at Powerleague Stoke, on Trentham Lakes, on October 24.
Mr Cope said: “No family member should have to think about burying their son or brother, especially at that age. Nobody should have to go through that.
“A funeral isn’t cheap so I just want to help them in any way I can. A lot of people have been in touch with me and some people don’t get paid until Friday so they are going to pay when they get paid. I am trying to get the page out there for a bit of awareness.
“The family are overwhelmed by the support they are getting from everybody. They can’t come to terms with how many people are offering help and support to them.”
Staffordshire Police are continuing their investigations into Mr Dale’s death. Witnesses should call 101, quoting incident 14 of October 5, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. ■ To support the fund-raising appeal, visit
A 16-year-old Stoke-onTrent boy is due to appear at Stafford Crown Court this morning charged with murder. He was remanded in custody after appearing at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Wednesday.