East Lothian: Fundraiser for family of late Tranent local Cal Clark smashes £6,500 in the first day as tributes pour in for 'one of life’s genuine good guys'

A community has rallied to give ‘one of life’s genuine good guys’ the send off he deserves – with a fundraiser having smashed more than three times its target in just one day.

Cal Clark was killed after he was hit by a taxi on the A1 near Macmerry shortly after midnight on Sunday. Despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, the 28-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Tributes have been pouring in for the popular Tranent local, who was an ardent Hibs fan and had what friends described as a “unique fashion sense”.

A fundraiser was set up by Cal's friend Daryl Mackie who wanted to help support his family through their grieving and pay for his funeral.

The page had an initial target of £2,000 but within just a day, it had raised more than £6,500.

Daryl said: “We have set this page up to help support Cal’s family with the stressful weeks ahead and to take some pressure off them, as it’s the last thing they need at this devastating time.

“I’m sure most, if not all of you, knew Cal and how loved he was by anyone who was graced with his presence.”

He described being friends with Cal, who he said many would know through his window cleaning, going to Hibs games or simply seeing him around, as a “privilege”.

East Lothian: Fundraiser for family of late Tranent local Cal Clark smashes £6,500 in the first day as tributes pour in for 'one of life’s genuine good guys'

“He was hard to miss with his hair and unique fashion sense, but that made Cal who he was and why he was so loved,” he added.

“I know we are all feeling helpless at the minute, so any contributions will be greatly appreciated and will go towards giving Cal the send off he deserves.

“The world will not be the same without you mate and you’ll be missed dearly every day, by everyone.”

More than 300 people donated money to the cause, with many more having taken to the page and social media to pay tribute to their “one of a kind” friend.

One person said: “It was a pleasure to know you Cal” with another having described him as “such a character full of fun, love and laughter”.

Another described the news as “devastating”. She said: “Rest easy Cal, you will be sorely missed by all who knew you. Taken far too young and soon. Forever 28.”

Tranent Football Club also took to Facebook to pay tribute.

It said: “We would like to pass our sincere condolences to Taylor Clark and his family of the passing of an absolute legend from Tranent that is Cal Clark, no words will describe how amazing this man was and will be a massive miss to everyone who knew and loved him. Fly high Cal.”

Police are still investigating the crash and asked any witnesses who may have information to come forward.

Sergeant Barry Sommerville said: “Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I am appealing for anyone who may have seen anything that could assist us to get in touch.

“I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area around the time and who has a dashcam to check their footage.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 0026 of 5 June, 2022.

Anyone who wants to donate to the fundraiser, click here.