A FUNDRAISER has been set up to support the wife and child of a man who tragically died in St Teath recently.

A Just Giving fundraising page has been set up to help celebrate the life and support the family of Ryan Saltern, who suddenly and tragically died in an alleged hit and run incident at St Teath during the last weekend of July.

Emergency services were called at around 1.20am on Sunday, July 28 to the incident after the body of a man was located on the B3267. Ryan, originally from Delabole, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His injuries were consistent with having been struck by a vehicle.

The page was initially set up to raise £5,000 towards a celebration of the 31-year-old’s life, and to support Ryan’s wife and young child, Cath and Harry. Now, the page is well on the way to reaching £10,000, as the Post went to press.

The page describes Ryan and Cath as ‘soul mates’, having met 15 years ago. They married on September 28, 2013. It reads: “Ryan and Cath’s extraordinary loving relationship was effortless and an inspiration, they really were ‘that couple’ we all aspire to.”

On March 7, 2016, Ryan and Cath welcomed their son Harry into the world. “Ryan was so proud to be a father and he filled Harry’s world with such love and support. Harry adored his daddy and they looked forward to every moment spent with one another and the amazing adventures that would unfold! He was without doubt the best father Harry could ever need and more. As a family unit the three of them could not have been stronger. The love and teamwork both Ryan and Cath displayed in helping their young boy grow has been admirable and Harry is a credit to it. We won’t forget the fourth member of the team, their rescue cat Wilson.”

As well as his dedication and love for his young family, Ryan was also the proud and loving son of parents Helen and Mark, loving brother to Leanne and her partner Matt, the ‘role model and adoring uncle’ to nephew Louis and was extremely close to his grandparents Leighton and Mary, Grandma Barbara and uncle Andrew. He was also son-in-law and brother-in-law to Cath’s parents and three brothers.”

Ryan was very well respected at work, always offering a smile and a friendly attitude while working for the Royal Mail in Truro and neighbouring areas. He had also been working extra hours to help fit carpets, looking to save towards a family holiday.

In his spare time, Ryan was an avid Manchester United supporter, and ‘breathed his love of football’ while playing for his local team and clubs. He enjoyed football, golf, family fun games and playing Fifa.

Ryan also embarked on a number of charitable endeavours, including a sponsored skydive, a fancy dress climb up Snowdon and a charity football match which he had been planning.

The page reads: “Ry’s positivity and outlook was so incredibly infectious to everyone lucky enough to have known him. He was a best friend like no other to many, he cherished and was incredibly invested in every one of his friendships.

“Ry had the ability to make you laugh with his quick wit, comical timing and wonderful expression. His dad jokes and puns were second to none.

“Ry encouraged others to strive and was sincerely proud of their achievements. Ry was empathetic and went above and beyond to help those in need, he would ride the journey with you and offer support at the drop of a hat.

“This wonderful man was remarkably kind, funny, generous and sweet. He had such a big heart which could never be overfilled and he always had more to give. You only had to meet Ry once for him to leave a positive imprint and you could not help but feel happy around him — ‘like sunshine he always lit up the room’.”

The funds raised will help support Cath and Harry in moving forward from this tragic event, as well as contributing to the funeral and celebration of Ryan’s life.

To donate towards the cause and leave a message of support, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ryansaltern