More than £20,000 has been raised for the funeral of a Newcastle United fan who died after he was hit by a car on a County Durham road at the weekend.

Sonny Farrier from Walker, Newcastle, died after he was struck by a car on Bogle Hole Lane, near Delves Lane, Consett, at about 1.10pm on Saturday, December 2.

Despite medical treatment, the 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. No-one else is believed to have been injured.The Northern Echo:

Following his death a Go Fund Me page was set up by friends, with a target of £2,000 to help his family pay for his funeral. So far 950 donations have been made to the page with a total of £20,308 raised.

Friend Geordie Burrows wrote on the page: “Sonny who was a regular at the match, where he supported our beloved Newcastle United home and away was due to be going to the game on Saturday night but sadly didn’t make it after not returning home.

“He would’ve also been going to Everton this coming Thursday 7th December, as like many of us Newcastle United games were a massive part of his life and a lot of people may even recognise him from them.

“He was the most kind person, with the purest of hearts and who always had a smile on his face.

“He had time for everyone he met and was so genuine.”

There have been calls on social media for a 18th minute applause during the Champions League game against AC Milan on Wednesday, December 13.

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Sonny’s family paid tribute earlier in a statement describing him as a “much-loved brother, son, and boyfriend”.

The family said: “Everyone that knew Sonny had nothing but kind words, an amazing young man with such a loveable character.

“Sonny was Newcastle United’s number one fan and travelled wherever to watch them. He lived and breathed football.”