FAMILY and friends of a “kind-hearted and cheerful” father who was killed in a motorcycle crash on the Dartford Crossing have been left devastated by his death.

An online funding page has been set up and has so far collected more than £7,000 to support the family of the biker, who has been named as beloved Chelmsford dad Matt ‘Handle’ Pilgrim.

Traffic was brought to a halt and the M25 was closed for several hours last Thursday after the accident, which happened at about 3pm between junction 1b and junction 2 and involved a lorry, a van and the motorbike.

The JustGiving page says: “We all knew and loved Matt and are so shocked and devastated that he is no longer here. This is nothing compared to what Dimi, Illie and Phoenix have to go through.

“Giving whatever we can we will buy Dimi some time to grieve and come to terms with the loss of her husband without the added stress of money.

“Matt was one of the most kind-hearted people in the world.

“We need to take care of his beautiful little family. Although this doesn’t bring him back or ease their pain, it will provide some much needed sup - port for them.”

Friends of the victim took to social media to express their sadness.

Luke Markey posted on Facebook: “I’m still in utter shock and disbelief, this morning’s drive to work was very hard, tears down my face.

“We met as early teens over the skatepark and at the YMCA youth club as youngsters to then work side by side together as men abseiling the buildings of London.

“I was always the miserable sarcastic person I am, but you had a zest for life I am only appreciating now it’s too late - so cheerful and optimistic.

“I’ve never met a man so honoured and proud to be a father, the way you spoke about your children like they were some magical gift which they are. I’m gonna try my best from now on to keep smiling like you, pal.”

A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance said: “We were called to reports of a crash involving a lorry, van and motorbike on the Essex- bound carriageway of the A282, prior to the Dartford Crossing.

“Ambulance crews and the Kent Air Ambulance were sent to the scene where they treated one patient, the motorcyclist.

Sadly, despite our best efforts the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The online fundraising page can be found at here