THE family of a Chester man stabbed to death in Blackpool have paid tribute to him saying his memory will always be treasured.

Joshua Whitley, 26, from Blacon, died at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Friday night (July 27) following an incident in the town.

A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be a single stab wound.

In a statement released this afternoon, his family said: "Josh, your life was a blessing, your memory treasured. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measures.

“You will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace brother, son, grandson and uncle.”

Chester and District Standard:

Josh Whitley's friends have set up a Go Fund Me page to give him a proper send-off.

The tribute comes after a man was charged with murder.

Stephen Routledge, 24, of Station Road, Blackpool, was due to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court this morning (Thursday, August 2) for a preliminary hearing.

Detective Inspector Mark Dickinson, of Blackpool Police, said: “My thoughts are with Joshua's family at this incredibly tragic time.”

The Blacon community has been paying tribute to Josh on Facebook and friends have set up a Go Fund Me page aimed at raising £300 to give him a proper send off.

They are also planning to walk from Blacon to Moel-famau in North Wales to raise money.

The fundraising page states: “We are raising money to give Josh the send-off he deserves. Josh was always the first person willing to help people out.

“Even if we don’t reach a target everything helps towards giving Josh an amazing send off. Let’s do him proud guys. Josh loved the outdoors camping, hiking etc so we are going to walk from Blacon to Moel-famau and back again in order to raise some funds.”

To help, visit https://www.gofundme.com/give-josh-the-send-off-he-deserves