The heartbroken family of a motorcyclist who died in a crash have launched an appeal to help pay for his funeral.

Jeff Matthew's brother Lewis Morgan has set up a GoFundMe online page to help generate cash to cover the costs of the service - but also to support Jeff's devastated fiance and "soulmate", Julie Harrison.

Lewis told the News & Star: "It's something that can help bear the burden while everyone grieves so we're not having to worry about this along with everything else.

"It's just one of those things you don't expect.

"It's going to help so much for Julie and the family just so they can try and process the unbearable loss without constantly breaking down about finances.

"It's just one thing off their mind. It's not going to make much difference to their loss but at the same time it will make a lot of difference to the additional stress."

Jeff, 28, of Jackson Road, Houghton, was on his way home from Lewis' house in Wigton on Sunday when he was involved in the crash that claimed his life.

His Suzuki GSXR motorbike was in collision with a Nissan Juke at the crossroads at Great Orton.

His family said he died doing what he loved on a sunny afternoon.

Nine years ago Jeff, a former pupil of Beacon Hill School, in Aspatria, had end stage renal failure - but luckily received a transplant which saved his life.

"After a few years he was back on his feet and managed to build a business and meet a girl and fall madly in love. They had their whole lives planned and then it was all just taken away in the blink of an eye," said Lewis, 37.

"He had the chance to live again. That is why he liked his motorbike because it made him feel like he was living."

"It's just tragic," he said. "I don't know how we are all going to live. It's just a nightmare."

In the days since his death hundreds of people have paid tribute to the popular biker.

Lewis added that this has given the family some comfort in coming to terms with their loss.

"He was loved so much by so many people. He would do anything he could to help his friends and family", added Lewis.

Julie and Jeff were together for two years.

They were "soulmates" and were finalising their wedding plans for 2018.

He had a lot of work lined-up to cover the costs of the wedding.

Lewis has put a target of £10,000 on the page. He said this will cover the cost of a basic funeral, at £4,000, but it will also support Julie in the painful months following her partner's death.

The family have also received donations from close friends.

To donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/helpjulieaftermotorbiketragedy.

Jeff's funeral will take place at Carlisle Crematorium at 2.20pm on Friday, April 7.

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the crash, at 1.45pm, to contact officers on 101. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.