A fund to help the family of the much-loved manager of the award-winning Beer Emporium who has sadly died has topped more than £10,000 in 24 hours.

A JustGiving page was set up by friends and colleagues of 37-year-old Liam Bridle who died from a viral infection.

And just a day later, more than £10,000 has already been raised to help raise money for Liam's funeral and his wife Steph who is expecting their first child.

Beer Emporium staff member, Della Hyde, said: "We just can't believe it. It's passed £10,000 in a day.

(Photo: Sandbach Nub News)

"The response has been amazing. It just shows how popular and well-liked Liam was."

Liam was a font of knowledge about beer and wine and had worked at in Waitrose's wine department before joining The Beer Emporium.

Sandbach Nub News told here how messages of condolences had poured in and countless ribbons pinned to the gate of the Welles Street premises since the news was announced.

The JustGiving page here reveals how Liam "was a bright spot in countless lives".

"He'd listen with patience and consideration, happy to be either an understanding ear or, when able, offering advice and insight beyond his years," the page says.

"He'd converse with enthusiasm on any subject, always keen to learn new information or view new perspectives, as well as throw in whatever he was currently excited about from his voracious consumption of books and podcasts.

"And he'd hold court as well as anyone, recounting tales of grand misadventure or trivial fascination with equal gusto, all peppered with irreverent humour and delivered with delight.

"Above all he was a man of great generosity and kindness, with a wonderful sense of the absurd, and a zest for life that was infectious.

"He left work at the end of May feeling a bit off colour, and was pronounced dead at Wythenshawe Hospital on the 17th of June.

"He is survived by both parents and his wife, who is expecting their first child in September. We are raising money to cover funeral costs. Any surplus will go towards providing what security we can for his unborn daughter."

Donations can be made to the fund here and customers and friends are also invited to share any memories they have of Liam when they donate.