‘We’re distraught at thought of having to bury our boy Andrew’
Fundraising appeal to help family of murdered son pay for funeral as divers continue to search Silksworth Lake
The grieving mother of Andrew Mather says her family has been left ‘utterly distraught’ at the ‘senseless’ loss of the beloved 48-year-old.
A murder investigation was launched after Andrew John Mather, 48, was sadly found dead by emergency services at a home, in Aintree Road, on June 3.
Now his heartbroken family have paid tribute to the dad-of-three as a Go Fund Me page is set up to help cover the funeral costs.
His family say a light in their lives has been extinguished after Andy was “senselessly taken away from them”.
So far more than £900 has been donated to help cover funeral costs.
The page, which was set up by his mother Elaine Mather, says: “Andy was a great lad, who was loved by many. He was no bother and would help anyone where he could.
“As a family, we are utterly distraught at the thought of having to bury our boy, who left behind two daughters, a son and doting granddaughter.
“We know people are struggling in light of this pandemic, but we are asking if you would be so kind as to try to support us in our mission to finance the burial of our special boy.
“Andy was special to us and loved to laugh and joke. This is why we cannot fathom why anyone would extinguish his life, and subsequently another light from our family.”
Neighbours also paid tribute to Mr Mather, who they knew as Andy, and said he was a “lovely lad”.
Linda Chapman, 52, said: “He was a hard-working man. He will be so sadly missed, he really will.
“He had a lot of friends and family who supported him. He’s a lovely man.”
Wayne Miller, 32, of Dene Street, Sunderland, has been charged with murder.
He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody and will next appear at court on Monday, July 6.
Three others – a 45-yearold man and two women aged 38 and 18 – were arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation.
A fifth man, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has also been released under investigation.
To donate, to the Go Fund Me page.