TATTOOISTS have raised almost £1,500 in memory of a young motorcyclist who died in a tragic accident.

Around 200 people queued up for hours outside the Cruise Tattoo Shop in Winsford on Easter Monday to pay tribute to Nathan Clarke, 27, from Winsford, who suffered catastrophic brain injuries on the A54 Chester Lane on Saturday, February just yards from his family home.

The former Northwich doorman lost his fight for life the following day but helped save the lives of two others with organ donations.

Northwich Guardian:

Nathan Clarke, 27, lost his fight for life on February 24 but helped save the lives of two others with organ donations

Salon owner Becky Birchall and Kai Robinson offered free piercings to thank doctors and nurses at Royal Stoke Hospital in North Staffordshire for looking after Nathan and his family.

All the money raised is being donated to the University Hospitals of North Midlands Charity.

Becky, who runs the salon on High Street, said: "Nathan was very good friends with everyone who worked here and was here all the time.

"He was an amazing character, such a good soul, beautiful inside and out.

"He lived every day to the full and made such an impact on people around him. He was such a massive part of our lives, such a big influence.

"I bet he was shining down on us."

Staff worked all day, as people patiently waited in the searing heat outside.

Northwich Guardian:

People queued patiently for hours outside the Cruise Tattoo Shop on High Street, Winsford for charity piercings in memory of Nathan Clarke

"It was manic, absolutely crazy," said Becky. "The response was absolutely amazing. We only asked for donations of £5 but people were leaving £23, £30 and even £50. If we hadn't run out of needles we would have carried on until dark. It was a brilliant day.

"We can't thank everyone enough for being so patient and waiting so long and for supporting such a good cause.

Every penny will help to fund equipment, facilities and research at the hospital.

"All the nurses, doctors and staff looked after Nathan so well, everyone loved him." added Becky. "They just did a fantastic job looking after him and his family.

"We will keep our pot out for another week or so and hopefully reach £1,500."

Northwich Guardian:

Talented musician Nathan Clarke was 'such a good soul, beautiful inside and out'

Kai said: "Nathan was always there for you. There is nothing he wouldn't do for anyone. Even if he had just met you he lit up, wanting to know everything about you.

"He definitely would have been proud of everyone here.

"For the short life he had the best life, a very fulfilled life."

Nathan was a qualified doorman and over the years had worked at several venues around Cheshire and Shropshire - including Madison's in Northwich, Nakatcha in Nantwich and the Boars Head in Oswestry.

In earlier years, he had also worked as a barman at Debees in Winsford.

A warehouse manager at Johnsons Remoals, Nathan was the much-loved son of Lesley and Colin, nephew to Andy Hulse and adored grandson of Syd and Joan Hulse, of Wharton Road, Winsford.

The former Verdin High School pupil was travelling towards Chester when the fatal accident occurred at 11am on February 23, tragically the day of his mum's 60th birthday.

A collision between his bike and another vehicle caused Nathan to leave the road.