A CROWDFUNDING campaign launched to help the family of Melksham rugby player Paul McQuillan, who died after a match, has already exceeded its £3,000 target.

At the last count, the campaign had raised £3,124 from just over 140 supporters.

Mr McQuillan, 41, died on Saturday, November 25, after collapsing towards the end of a match against Alfred’s Nomads at Marlborough RFC.

He is survived by his partner Michelle and two children.

His death has shocked Melksham RFC where he played as a front row prop for the second team.

Tributes have been paid by his family, the rugby club and by Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Mike Veale.

Mr McQuillan worked as community beat manager in Chippenham for eight years until last summer. He left the police to join Network Rail in Swindon as a signalling design engineer.

Mr McQuillan had previously trained as a design engineer after joining Westinghouse in Chippenham as an apprentice.

Crowdfundraiser Danielle Swanborough said: “Our dear friend Paul McQuillan was cruelly and suddenly taken from all of us and his beautiful family.

“He was so loved and will be sorely missed by us all.

“Numerous people have suggested setting up a Crowdfunding page to help Michelle and their children through this devastating and tragic time, so here it is.

“We’re raising £3,000 to show our support to Michelle and their children and to pay our respects to Paul. Please give generously to help towards Michelle and the children’s future.”

If you wish to support the campaign, go to the website https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paul-mcquillan