A HEARTBROKEN daughter says she has been left overwhelmed after the Colchester community came together to pay for her dad's funeral after his sudden death. 

Colchester United fan and single-father, Carl Williams died last month aged just 50. 

He left behind his daughter Kayleigh Williams, 24, and two grandchildren. 

Kayleigh said she had been left shocked by the passing of her ‘loving’ and ‘amazing’ dad.

“It’s been a massive shock to our family," she said. 

Support - Kayleigh is grateful to Colchester's community for the kindness and support she has received (Image: Kayleigh Williams)

“He was my only parent; I grew up without my mum and siblings, so he was the soul of my life.

“He was a really caring and loving man and would’ve done anything for anyone.

“He always saw the best in everyone and was never afraid of who he was, he taught me how to not worry about what anyone thinks of you.

“He was an amazing grandfather to my two kids and always looked after us."

As a single mum of two, Kayleigh decided to set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for Carl’s funeral and has overwhelmed by the generosity of Colchester’s community.

“I set the page up to help with the costs as I’m a single mum of two and only 24 years old," she said. 

“Times are tough as it is and financially, I didn’t feel like I could give my dad the best send-off he deserved.

“Much to my shock, so many people, including strangers donated money to take the pressure off of myself.

“The last thing anyone wants to worry about while losing someone they loved is the cost of a funeral."

Kayleigh has raised an incredible £805 and even received a brand-new Colchester United top from, Dab Automotive, to wear to Carl’s funeral – as a nod to his love of the football team.

She said: “An incredible company Dab Automotive reached out and purchased me a brand-new top for my dad’s funeral.

"He was a huge Colchester United fan and has been dedicated to them throughout his whole life - it was only right to honour him, wearing a t shirt and I was able to make him proud."

Kayleigh’s GoFundMe page is still open for donations, with Carl’s funeral taking place on Friday (September 6).

 “I will never forget the kindness of everyone during this time, it’s really shown me that we are a community and there are some incredibly selfless people out there who have had a positive impact on me during such sad times,” Kayleigh added.

For more information, visit gofundme.com/carl-williams