A FUND set up in memory of a south-east Cornwall fisherman who died at sea last weekend has topped the £20,000 mark.

Leigh Spencer suffered fatal injuries aboard a fishing vessel he worked on some 50 miles off the Cornish coast, close to the Isles of Scilly, at around 7.50am last Saturday.

The 50-year-old, from Millbrook, leaves his wife Analiza and two young children, Theo and Issabella.

The Leigh Spencer Memorial Fund has been launched by his family on the JustGiving website, and the amount has far exceeded the initial £10,000 target set, with 510 people donating £20,535 between them so far.

Leigh’s father, Christopher, wrote on the fundraising page: “We’ve started this page to raise money to cover Leigh‘s funeral arrangements, and also to provide for Analiza and the children now that their husband and father is no longer there for them.

“If you knew Leigh, then you’ll understand how devastated we all are at his loss. His smile would light up a room, and he was the instigator of much merriment.

“Joy and generosity are words that spring to mind when we think of him.”

After seeing the response to the appeal, Christopher later added: “We are truly overwhelmed with your generosity.

“If you’re a fisherman then you know it’s feast or famine. My son’s children will grow up without Leigh’s support, but with your donations, we will entrust to their future.

“Thank you so much, and all our love.”

One person who donated, Paul Taylor, wrote: “Such a lovable man. Humble, kind, a true Cornish gentleman. Lost for words. My deepest thoughts and sympathy to the Spencer families.”

A second male crew member was taken to hospital in Treliske with minor injuries and was later discharged.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.

It confirmed the vessel was a beam trawler called The Cornishman, which is now back in Newlyn.