Herne Bay hairdresser Kevin Almond's wife Kay launches JustGiving page to raise money for Kent Air Ambulance

joewalker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 09:00, 16 September 2014 | Updated: 09:03, 16 September 2014

The wife of a hairdresser killed in a motorbike crash at the weekend has launched a fundraising appeal in his memory.

Kay Almond, from Herne Bay, has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the Kent Air Ambulance, which was called to the scene of the accident on Sunday.

Tragically, medics were unable to save her husband Kevin Almond, who crashed his black Yamaha on the A20 at Hollingbourne.

Popular hairdresser Kevin Almond died in a crash in Hollingbourne

Police today appealed for the driver of a red Mercedes to come forward after the vehicle was seen circling the crash before coming back and "paying close attention to the aftermath without calling the emergency services".

Mrs Almond had hoped to raise £250 through the page, describing it as her husband's "last fundraising attempt".

But after a wave of donations this morning, the total raised had already passed that mark at more than £330.

She said: "Kevin was an epic fundraiser throughout his life and this is one last chance for him to help others.

"If you are looking for a way to remember him please contribute - it may mean that another family doesn't have to experience the grief that we are feeling."

News of Mr Almond's death has stunned his many friends and family in Herne Bay, where he had run the Nutcutters salon in Bank Street since 1982.

Hundreds of people on Facebook paid tribute to the big-hearted barber, who was famed for his charity fundraising and had only last week completed the ice bucket challenge.

JustGiving page set up in Kevin Almond's memory

Mrs Almond wrote on Facebook: "Thank you everyone for all your kind words. Kev was and always will be my big cuddly bear, tough on the outside but a big softy underneath.

"I will miss him every second of every day and I will be forever broken."

Sci-fi fan Mr Almond was also know for his work in the community, working closely with the town's Bay Promo Team.

Its co-founder Gerald McCarthy said: "We are in disbelief - we're just stunned. It's a very sad day because he was such a big character for the town.

"Kevin had been really supportive of us from day one. He comes along to all of our different events and he and his family take part in all the workshops.

Kevin Almond, Pete Robinson and Mark Lawson sample the brew at last year's Brogdale Cider Festival

"A great character like Kevin will never and should never be forgotten, and with the family's permission, I'm sure the community would like to repay Kevin's passion for Herne Bay in time, with a permanent memorial of some kind."

Close friend Andi Pay added: "A very sad day today. A very close, dear, lifelong friend has been taken too soon.

"They say the good go early and he was the best. So proud to have known him. May you rest in peace my friend Kevin Almond."

Tributes also poured in from other businesses in Herne Bay, with Mac's Barbers posting: "All of us at Mac's are so shocked and saddened by the news of our fellow barber Kevin Almond tragically passing away.