THE sudden and tragic death of a young father has led to a fundraiser for his one-year-old daughter.

Lewis Gregory died at just 23 from a huge blood clot on his lungs.

He was a chef at the Castle Inn in Newport and the Vine Inn in St Helens.

He leaves behind his mother and father, Jacky and Ian Gregory, fiancee Tash and baby Esme.

Mr and Mrs Gregory said on the GoFundMe page.

"Our Son, Lewis James Gregory, aged just 23, died very suddenly and totally unexpectedly on his mother's birthday and the same day his new nephew was born, on November 9.

"He had complained that morning of difficulties breathing and was taken in St Mary's Hospital.

"By late afternoon it was discovered that he had a massive blood clot on the lungs and by 9pm he had passed away.

"Lewis was a father to his one-year-old daughter Esme, who he absolutely doted on and loved so much.

"He was to marry his fiancé Tash in September 2022 after a long and loving relationship.

"Lewis was a hardworking and superb chef working at The Castle Pub in Newport and The Vine in St Helens.

"He had just so much to live for and a career that would eventually see him running his own successful pub or restaurant without doubt."

The Castle Inn is holding a fundraising evening on December 16 complete with raffle, with prizes supplied by local businesses.

To donate to the fundraiser, click here