MORE than £28,000 has been raised for the funerals and to support the families of two pilots who died on the M62.

It follows a horror crash on the motorway in the early hours of Thursday morning between Warrington and St Helens.

A car was involved in a collision with two lorries on the westbound carriageway between junctions eight for Burtonwood and seven for Rainhill Stoops.

Sadly, two men from the car died at the scene, with their next of kin informed. They continue to be supported by specialist officers.

The following day, Friday, it was tragically confirmed by Cheshire Police that the two men killed in the crash both worked for Ryanair.

Captain Matt Greenhalgh, aged 28, and senior first officer Jamie Fernandes, aged 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi when the collision occurred at 5.31am.

As of Friday, the taxi driver remained in hospital, having suffered ‘serious’ injuries.

Tributes were paid to Mr Fernandes by his school, which can be read here.

Now, Marple Rugby Club in Stockport has published a tribute to Mr Greenhalgh.

A club spokesman said: “All at Marple are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of former player Matt Greenhalgh

“Matt played for us as a mini and junior, as part of a successful colts team and as a senior player, often alongside his very proud dad John.

“Despite not playing regularly for a few years, Matt's teammates from his colt days always talked fondly of him, as a player and as a bloke.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to John, the rest of Matt's family, friends and all who knew him.”

A GoFundMe page has also been set up by Daniel Hayton, a former colleague of the pair, and at the time of writing on Sunday, this had raised more than £28,000.

If you would like to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-2-amazing-pilots

The page reads: “Here at Ryanair, we are sad to hear of the loss of two amazing colleagues I had the pleasure of working with in Manchester.

“Matt and Jamie also worked with our colleagues based in Liverpool and will be missed by all.

“As a team, we would like to raise some money to go and help Matt and Jamie’s families with any costs for funeral arrangements, and after in the long term.

“Half of the proceeds will go towards Matt’s family, and the other half to Jamie’s family. Two amazing guys gone too soon.”

The driver of one of the two lorries, a 61-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The carriageway was closed between junctions nine and seven for Winwick for much of Thursday while emergency services worked at the scene.

Anyone with information or dash camera footage should call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 1867786, or visit cheshire.police.uk//tell-us