THE FAMILY of a popular father-of-two is raising money to bring his body back to the UK after he died of Covid-19 in Spain.

Matt Bush, known to his family and friends as “Bushy”, died on Thursday, July 22, in Fuengirola on the southern coast of Spain.

Friends and family of Matt, 50, who grew in in Ardingly before moving to the Costa Del Sol, have described him as “the life and soul of the party.”

His friend Alexandria Llorente has set up an online fundraiser to cover the costs of bringing his body back to the UK.

Writing on the GoFundMePage, Alexandria said: “We all received the devastating news last Thursday 22 July 2021 that our good friend Matt Bush was taken way too soon from us.

“Matt was without doubt loved by so many people in the UK and Spain.

“He was always the life and soul of any party and equally the person who would be there first by your side for any help or support you needed day or night.

“In this difficult time, we all want to help in some way.

“We have created this fundraiser to assist his family with any funeral costs to be able to get Bushy home with his mum and beloved daughters.

“Any remaining funds, will be donated to a private Animal Rescue Centre close to Matt’s heart in Spain.”

In a moving post on the GoFundMe page, a friend described Matt as “loved by all” before adding that he “deserved to be home with his family.”

Another added that the news of his death had left them “heartbroken.”

The online appeal has raised more than £1,500 and is halfway to reaching its £3,000 target.

Matt became ill with coronavirus earlier this month and was admitted to hospital where he passed away, according to Global FM.

He worked as an electrician at Ardingly College before moving to Spain with his wife and two daughters, Shannon and Marianne.

His funeral is due to take place today and a celebration of his life is to be held at The London pub in Fuengirola.

To donate to the fundraiser visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-bushy-home

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