A FUND has been set up to support families coping with tragedy following the death of a man at a level crossing.

Tommy Ramshaw was killed after being hit by a train where a track crosses Brunswick Road in Shoreham.

Following the 20-year-old's death on February 27, hundreds turned out to his funeral and wake.

Now, to coincide with what would have been his 21st birthday, his mother, Jeanette Compton, has launched Tommy's Fund in his memory.

Mrs Compton, 45, said: "Tommy was a larger than life character and would hope something positive comes from his death so I have decided to launch Tommy's Fund to support other families who have lost a young adult through accidental death or suicide.

"It is really important to us to remember Tommy with laughter and joy - he was and always will be our King of Shoreham."

Tommy contributed towards the family income through his job at a glazing firm and helped to cover everyday costs such as rent, council tax and bills.

Mrs Compton added: "If a husband, wife or civil partner dies you can claim a Bereavement Payment, a one-off lump-sum payment of £2,000, which is tax-free. After you're widowed you can claim Bereavement Allowance, the taxable weekly benefit paid to you for up to 52 weeks from the date of death of your husband, wife or civil partner.

"If you're a parent whose husband, wife or civil partner has died and you have a dependent child or young person for whom you receive child benefit, you can claim Widowed Parent's Allowance.

"But there is not a lot of financial help out there for families who are themselves on a low income but not on benefits and lose older children."

Tommy's family was supported by friends and the local community for funeral costs, which Mrs Compton is still in shock over.

She said: "The generosity was overwhelming. We were able to give Tommy the send-off he deserved."

The family also gratefully received an unexpected donation from the Henry Hicks Foundation.

Mrs Compton, who runs the Craft Tea Gift Shop in Warwick Street, Worthing, added: "We are crowdfunding to turn the shop into a social enterprise as well as support Tommy's Fund.

"We hope to be able to return the favour from the Henry Hicks Foundation through our fundraising."

Various events are being arranged for Tommy's Fund, including a traditional funday at Buckingham Park in Shoreham on August 27.

For more information, visit tommysfund.org.uk or facebook.com/tommysfund.