Fundraising page for Ben Doughty and The Buck Inn at Flixton surpasses £5,000 target in just six days

A fundraising page launched to help the family of a young crash victim realise his dream of opening a pub has surpassed its target in less than a week.

Ben Doughty, from Holton near Beccles, had started renovating The Buck Inn at Flixton, near Bungay, just months before he was killed on the A144 at Halesworth.

The 28-year-old father-of-two was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which saw his blue Audi RS4 collide with a white Kia Cee'd at 9.40pm on August 15.

Just days before his sudden death, Ben told social media followers that he had made good progress on the pub and hoped to open its doors by the end of August.

But his family, including his partner Nicole Chatfield and the couple's two young sons, have been forced to take over and finish the project in Ben's name.

Last week, Ben's mother Linda created a GoFundMe page to raise money to help fulfil her son's dream of running the Suffolk pub.

In a statement on the page, Linda said: "We are trying to raise money to complete renovations at the Flixton Buck in memory of Ben.

"Ben tragically lost his life on the 15th August 2021. Owning and running the Buck was a dream for both him and his young family."

The page had an initial target of £5,000, but just six days after it was set up, it has already raised more than £6,600.

Yesterday, Linda took to Facebook to thank those who had made donations.

She said: "Thank you to everyone who has donated. Your help and support is very much appreciated."

The family also held a memorial for Ben at the pub on Friday, with all those present asked to wear colourful clothing.

To make a donation, click here.

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