Children ‘missing their daddy’ in wake of fatal Handcross crash

Marc Martin, 22, from Haywards Heath and Matt Preece, 21, from Lindfield died last Wednesday after a car crashed into a tree at Handcross.

Marc had two children, Taylor, who is five, and James, who is nine-months-old.

Chloe alderson said: “Me and Marc Martin have two lovely boys together and now they are missing their daddy, and he will be missing all the milestones in their lives.

“Me and the boys will love him forever and miss him, and will never stop.”

Marc’s mum Marie Smith told the Middy: “My son was an amazing son and father to his two sons.

“He will be missed every minute of every day, he was very much loved by me and his brother and sister, and had lots of friends, one of whom died with him.”

“My heart is breaking, my amazing son has gone, God rest his soul.”

Marc and Matt were good friends, and were working together as roofers the morning of the crash. Marie explained the two friends were ‘learning the trade’.

“He loved the outdoors,” she added.

Dan Reade, who lived with Marc, said: “They were both one of a kind, there really isn’t anyone like them.

“They thrived to be the best at what they wanted to do, Marc was a amazing father, worker and brother to me.”

He also worked in retail, including Co-op on High Street, Lindfield until November this year.

Dan continued: “They have both left a whole in my heart that can never be fixed, and the heavens have got two outstanding angels with them now. “They meant the world to me. They were there the greatest of people,” he added.

Marc attended St Josephs Catholic Primary School, Haywards Heath, before moving on to Warden Park School in Cuckfield.

Nick Grimwade told the Middy: “Today is possibly the worst day I’ve ever had. Marc Martin you helped me through so much when I’ve needed you. Just so shocked, you’ve been taken away from everyone and your beautiful children above all mate you were one truly amazing person. R.I.P mate keep your family safe from above.”

Tributes have also poured in to Matt Preece.

Tom Watkins said: “Matt, I’ve said it before but I still cannot believe you’re gone, this is so hard. I am so glad that I got the chance to meet you and I am thankful that you were a part of my life.

“You were the best mate I could have asked for and you will never be replaced. You had no fear, you were always smiling, you were always positive and cheerful and you always made me laugh. We went on so many adventures together and we got on so well - that I will never forget.

“Now that you are gone there is a huge hole in my life and I miss you so much. You will always, always be in my heart and I really hope that I will see you again one day. Stay safe, I love you x”

Matt Preece’s brother John Cunningham said: “Words cannot describe the amount of pain myself, my family and matt’s friends are feeling.

“I love you bro! Nothing in this world can ever replace you, I hope you rest in peace and are with god.”

Matt worked as a roofer, and in landscaping.

Matt’s friend Chelsea Selsby told the Middy: “He was the nicest boy I’ve ever spoken to, so kind and caring and loved by so many people and will now be missed by so many people. So sad that he’s been taken at such a young age but heaven always gains the best angels, always in our thoughts.”

Dan Reade worked with Matt. He said: “Matt was a brilliant worker and the perfect mate, friends like him only come once in a lifetime.”

Nick Grimwade, who was friends with Matt and Marc, said: “Matt Preece we were best pals in primary, should still be mates now but we grew up and went different ways I will always remember you mate, R.I.P fella. Two more angels gained upstairs but taken too soon.”

Danii Amyy Nightingale wrote on Facebook: “Sleep tight up there.

“Thinking of your family at this hard time.

“I will never forget our silly conversations and all the time you made me laugh.”