A fund has opened in memory of Steve Becker, the journalist from BBC Radio Lancashire, who died on his way to the final day of the Cuadrilla fracking inquiry.

Steve had reported on fracking since Cuadrilla’s first announcement that it planned to explore for shale gas in the Fylde. He was at every day of the inquiry.

The fund, started by John Hobson, will raise money for the family’s chosen charity, Derian House children’s hospice.

John Hobson said:

“Everybody at Frack Free Lancashire  who met Steve was touched by his humanity and those of us who had the good fortune to be interviewed by him couldn’t fail to appreciate his kindness and professionalism. Saddened as we are by his passing we’d like to recognise the way he touched us.”

Pat Davies, chair of the Preston New Road Action Group, said:

“So very sad to hear of Steve’s sudden death. Over the last 2 years I’ve worked with him doing anti fracking interviews for Preston New Road site. He was a wonderful person, measured, kind and respected by all who knew him. He will be missed by so many in our Community.”

“A really genuine and good guy. Thoughts and prayers are with his family at this awful time. Rest in peace Steve. You will not be forgotten.”

Steve was taken ill on the M6 on his way to the inquiry in Blackpool on Wednesday morning (16^th March 2016).

Aziz Rashid, head of regional and local programming for the BBC in the North West, said:

“Steve worked for the BBC for more than 30 years and has friends and former colleagues right across the organisation. He will be much missed by so many people but especially the team at Radio Lancashire, where he was such a vital part of the newsroom.

“He emailed me only yesterday to discuss his plans to cover the latest developments in the story of fracking in Lancashire. He had become a real authority on the issue.”

Link to the Steve Becker – Good Guy fund