Swadlincote round table have launched a fundraiser for the funeral of Max Walsh, whose body is believed to have been found in the woods by Ashby Canal in Snarestone on 15 November. 

Although the body has not yet been formally identified, Leicestershire Police have said the body is believed to be Max Walsh, age 21. 

Max was last seen when he left his place of work in Dordon near Warwickshire just before 2pm on Thursday. 

His van was found at around 6pm the following day, near to where his body was later found. 

The fundraiser was set up on 17 November and has already raised over £11,000, surpassing the £5000 goal they set to cover the costs of Max's funeral. 

The fundraiser was set up by Swadlincote Round Table, with organisers saying, 'Max is a member of Swadlincote Round Table, who is no longer with us.' 

'We don't know the full circumstances surrounding Max's death as the investigation is ongoing, but we do know this – Max was a Tabler and always will be. 

'Part of the commitment Max made when joining Round Table was to serve and support his community. He did this by volunteering his time through December to help raise literally thousands of pounds for local causes as part of our annual Santa Sleigh collection. 

'We are now asking the community that Max supported, to support him in return and help his family lay him to rest.' 

The fundraiser as over doubled the initial goal of £5,000, which is the average cost of a UK funeral. 

Max's mum, Catherine, commented on the fundraiser, saying: 'We are overwhelmed by the support and kindness of everyone. Thank you from the bottom of our broken hearts.' 

The investigation is still ongoing. According to Leicestershire Police, a 66-year-old man was arrested but has been released on bail. 

Detective Inspector Michelle Goddard said: 'We want to speak to anyone who knows where Max was in this period between him leaving work and his car being found on Thursday afternoon.  

'There are extensive enquiries being carried out but if you saw him or communicated with him in any way, we are keen to hear from you.  

'We know people can be concerned about coming forward and speaking to police. I'd ask that you speak to us anyway – we need to find out what happened to Max and how he came about his death. Information you pass to us will be treated sensitively.'  

If you have any information, contact the Police on 101, quoting incident number 25*670690. 

Click here for the fundraiser.